Zorlu Holding CEO detained: CEO Cem Köksal resigns

An email sent by Köksal to Ergün Güler, the CEO of Vestel, who had published a congratulatory message for the month of Ramadan, had begun circulating on social media.

In his email, Cem Köksal stated that the holding company only officially celebrates the Ramadan and Eid al-Adha holidays, expressing that they maintain an independent stance regarding religious days.

Stating that he had previously issued warnings on the subject, Köksal also emphasized that such celebrations should not be repeated.

Following the publication of the email on social media, the prosecutor's office took action.

RESIGNED FROM HIS POSITION

It has been learned that Zorlu Holding CEO Cem Köksal resigned from his position following his detention. Here is Köksal's resignation text:

Following this development, Köksal announced his resignation from his position via an email sent to company personnel and recorded the following lines:

"Dear Colleagues,

I would like to inform you that I have resigned from my position as CEO of Zorlu Holding, effective today.

I have made this decision to ensure that the discussions, which began after my correspondence with my colleague Ergün Güler, CEO of our group company Vestel—the subject and content of which were essentially entirely work-related—were first inadvertently spread within the company and then appeared in the public eye, do not harm the Zorlu Group, where I have served for 28 years.

I am saddened that the matter was reflected as if it were about the beliefs and values of our Group and myself personally, causing a departure from the essence of the matter, which relates to internal company operations and management structure.

A statement came from Zorlu Holding after the resignation. The statement said the following:

Sincerely"

Zorlu Holding also announced the resignation decision and included the following statements in its announcement:

"We share the sensitivity that has arisen as a result of an internal company discussion regarding management principles between Zorlu Holding CEO Cem Köksal and Ergün Güler, CEO of our group company Vestel, being reflected in the public eye; we would like to convey the following information to inform the public correctly and to explain our Group's stance on the matter.

Following this situation, we announce that Zorlu Holding CEO Cem Köksal has resigned from his position as of March 1, 2025.

It is known to the public that Zorlu Holding has been an institution that has possessed family values and business ethics since 1953, and is integrated with the national and spiritual values of our country.

It is known how deeply involved and responsible our Group, our shareholders, and all our management staff have always been regarding social issues.

As the Zorlu Group, we express our regrets to all our stakeholders and the public regarding these developments.

Sincerely,

Zorlu Holding Board of Directors"

HERE IS THE REASON FOR THE INVESTIGATION

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation into Köksal for the crime of "preventing the exercise of freedom of belief, thought, and opinion."

The Chief Public Prosecutor's Office stated the following: "Regarding the incident reflected in some social and visual media publications today, concerning Zorlu Holding CEO Cem Köksal sending an email to all his employees with the content of not celebrating the month of Ramadan, an ex officio investigation has been launched by our Chief Public Prosecutor's Office for the crime of 'preventing the exercise of freedom of belief, thought, and opinion.'"

Köksal was detained today upon the instruction of the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.

News Source: 12punto