Karsan appoints Utku Can Ayyarkın as CEO after Okan Baş steps down

Karsan has appointed Utku Can Ayyarkın as CEO and Executive Board Member following the departure of Okan Baş after ten years in the role.

The decision became effective on 10 July 2026 and was disclosed by the company through a filing to Türkiye’s Public Disclosure Platform (KAP), while additional details were shared in a company statement published on LinkedIn.

Karsan reports total turnover of €330 million in 2025, representing an 11% increase compared to €296 million in 2024. Electric vehicle revenues reached €220 million, accounting for 67% of total turnover and marking a €59 million increase year-on-year. Export revenues rose by 43% to €197 million.

Utku Can Ayyarkın appointed CEO of Karsan

According to the disclosure submitted to KAP, Okan Baş resigned from his positions as CEO (General Manager) and member of the Board of Directors effective 10 July 2026. The Board of Directors subsequently appointed current Board Member Utku Can Ayyarkın as Executive Board Member and CEO.

The company stated that Ayyarkın currently serves as Group CEO of Kıraça Holding and has also been a member of the Karsan Board of Directors. In its LinkedIn announcement, Karsan said that Ayyarkın brings 22 years of leadership, operational and strategic management experience to the position.

Ayyarkın has served as CEO of Kıraça Holding since May 2026. Prior to joining Kıraça Holding, he spent more than 22 years at Turkish logistics company Aras Kargo, where he was appointed General Manager in 2019 after holding a series of senior executive positions including Deputy General Manager for Operations, Deputy General Manager for Sales, Business Development and Strategy Director, and Regional Manager.

Okan Baş leaves after a decade leading the company

In its statement, Karsan said that Okan Baş stepped down after ten years as CEO and Executive Board Member to focus on “a new chapter in his professional career.“

The company credited Baş with leading Karsan’s transformation into a global mobility brand during his tenure, highlighting the expansion of its activities in electric and autonomous mobility and the company’s international development. Karsan also thanked Baş for his leadership and contributions over the past decade.

In brief

• Who is Karsan’s new CEO? Utku Can Ayyarkın has been appointed CEO and Executive Board Member by the Karsan Board of Directors.
• When did the leadership change take effect? The appointment and Okan Baş’s departure became effective on 10 July 2026.
• Why did Okan Baş leave Karsan? The company stated that he stepped down to focus on a new chapter in his professional career.
• How was the appointment announced? The decision was disclosed through a KAP filing and communicated by Karsan in an official LinkedIn statement.