Chairman of the Board at Koton
Yılmaz Yılmaz, born in Adapazarı in 1962, graduated from the Naval Academy in 1984 with the rank of Naval Lieutenant. In 1991, he was the SAS Team Commander with the rank of First Liutenant upon leaving the Turkish Naval Forces.
Together with his wife, Gülden Yılmaz, Yılmaz Yılmaz is the visionary behind Koton, Türkiye's leading fast-fashion brand, successfully transforming the brand into an international chain in a remarkably short time. Yılmaz currently serves as the Chairman of the Board at Koton.
Actively involved in industry representative associations such as the Istanbul Textile and Apparel Exporters' Association (ITKIB), Turkish Federation of Shopping Centers And Retailers (TAMPF), Turkish Clothing Manufacturers' Association (TGSD), and United Brands Association (BMD), Yılmaz also played a crucial role in the United Brands Association (BMD) by assuming the presidency from 2010 to 2012.
A former volleyball player and diver, Yılmaz has interests in photography, philosophy and culinary arts. Married to Board Member Gülden Yılmaz, he is the father of two children and is proficient in both English and German.