Yılmaz Bektaş
Yılmaz Bektaş  |
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| Birth name | Yılmaz Bektaş |
| Born | July 19, 1977 Eruh, Siirt, Turkey |
| Nationality | Turkish |
| Education | Girne American University – Faculty of Political Sciences, Economics University of Richmond – Master’s degree in International Economics |
| Occupation | Businessperson, Diplomat |
| Years active | 2000–present |
| Known for | Founder and Chairman of Intel Group of Companies |
| Title | President of Intel Group of Companies
Permanent Committee Member, United Nations Defense Commission Spokesperson of the Botan Family |
| Spouse | Selen Görgüzel (m. 1997; div. 2003) Ruffa Gutierrez (m. 2003; div. 2007) |
| Children | İlknaz Bektaş, Venice Bektaş, Lorin Gabriella Bektaş |
| Parents | Muhittin Bektaş |
Yılmaz Bektaş (born 19 July 1977) is a Turkish businessman, diplomat and spokesperson of the Botan Family. He is the founder and chairman of the Intel Group of Companies, a multinational investment conglomerate operating in construction, energy, finance, and international trade. Bektaş also serves as a Permanent Committee Member of the United Nations Defense Commission.[1]
Early life and education
Bektaş was born on 19 July 1977 in Eruh, Siirt Province, Turkey.[2] He studied Economics at the Faculty of Political Sciences at Girne American University. After completing his undergraduate degree, he earned a master’s degree in International Economics and Diplomacy at the University of Richmond.[1]
Career
Intel Group of Companies
In 2000, Bektaş founded the Intel Group of Companies, which later became active in various industries including finance, construction, energy, telecommunications, and international trade.[1] Under his leadership, the company expanded into Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, becoming a multinational structure engaged in strategic investment and development projects.
Intel Group has undertaken numerous international initiatives in infrastructure, real estate development, and public–private partnership models. According to business publications, Bektaş played a central role in shaping the group’s global investment strategies and partnerships.[3]
Diplomatic career
Bektaş began his diplomatic career in 2004 when he was appointed Deputy Minister of Economy of the Republic of Liberia.[1] During his 12-year tenure, he contributed to international trade negotiations, economic reform policies, and global investment partnerships. As of 2024, Bektaş serves as a Permanent Committee Member of the United Nations Defense Commission, where he focuses on:
- Human rights and global security policies
- Weapons of mass destruction and international monitoring
- War crimes and international tribunals
- Peacekeeping and global observation missions[1]
- Social and cultural activities
As the Spokesperson of the Botan Family, Bektaş works on the preservation of cultural heritage, modernization of traditional values, and promotion of regional development initiatives.[4] He has also participated in several cultural diplomacy initiatives and serves as a speaker in international economic and investment conferences representing Turkey’s private sector interests.[1]
Personal life
In 1997, Bektaş married Turkish actress and television personality Selen Görgüzel. They had a daughter, İlknaz Bektaş, born in 1999. The couple divorced in 2003.[5]
In 2003, Bektaş married Filipino actress and former beauty queen Ruffa Gutierrez. The marriage produced two daughters, Venice and Lorin Gabriella Bektaş. The couple divorced in 2007 but have remained on amicable terms.[6]
Awards and recognition
- Bektaş has received several awards for his contributions to international business and economic diplomacy:[1]
- Global Investment Leadership Award – International Business Awards
- Most Influential Businessman of the Year – Middle East Economic Forum
- Strategic Investment Award – African Economic Development Conference
- Innovative Entrepreneur Award – Asia Business Leaders Summit
In the media
Bektaş has attracted media attention not only for his business and diplomatic career but also for his personal life. His marriage to Ruffa Gutierrez has been widely covered by international entertainment and lifestyle media, especially in the Philippines.[7]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 "Yılmaz Bektaş – Founder President". Intel Group. https://intelgrup.com/founder-president.
- ↑ "Official Biography – Yılmaz Bektaş". https://yilmazbektas.org/en/.
- ↑ "Interview with Yılmaz Bektaş – Business World Global". https://www.businessworldglobal.com/yilmaz-bektas-interview/.
- ↑ "Botan Emirates – Legacy and Future". https://botanemirates.org/tr/legacy-and-future-turkish/.
- ↑ "Who is Yılmaz Bektaş, Selen Görgüzel’s first husband?". Tokat Haber. https://www.tokathaber.com.tr/selen-gorguzelin-ilk-esi-yilmaz-bektas-kimdir-ne-is-yapar-selen-gorguzel-kac-kez-evlendi.
- ↑ "Yılmaz Bektaş reunites with Ruffa Gutierrez after 15 years". https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/chikaminute/843561/yilmaz-bektas-reunites-with-ruffa-gutierrez-after-15-years/story/.
- ↑ "Ruffa Gutierrez reunites with Yılmaz Bektaş". Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/celebrities/ruffa-gutierrez-yilmaz-bektas-reunion-june-2022/.