Aug 26 2024
Diplomat Sertan Ayçiçek, who has previously been selected and awarded four times as “CEO of the Year”, continues to achieve remarkable success.
There are two types of people in the world. One group consists of those who only chase their personal goals. In contrast, the other group includes those who work with the genuine aim of adding value to the lives of others through their work and everything they do throughout their journeys. These professionals push boundaries, inspire change, and rise as trailblazers in their respective niches and industries.
Sertan Ayçiçek, the driving force behind British IKAR Holdings, is undeniably one of those remarkable figures reshaping industries and inspiring generations.
IKAR Holdings, a British giant, operates in various sectors including aviation, technology, energy, construction, education, health, sports, real estate, and hospitality. With a portfolio of over 40 companies, IKAR Holdings demonstrates extensive reach and influence across multiple industries.
IKAR Holdings was recently awarded the title of “Best International Holding Company” in the UK.
Central to the ethos of IKAR Holdings is a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and harnessing technology to address pressing challenges. IKAR is the first British company to appoint artificial intelligence to its board. From smart city solutions to renewable energy initiatives, Ayçiçek and his team are at the forefront of innovation, pioneering solutions that have the potential to reshape the world we live in.
Sertan Ayçiçek has more than 20 years of professional experience in his business career.
Ayçiçek has been featured in Forbes twice.
What are your goals for 2025?
In 2025, we want to focus more on the cryptocurrency sector. To this end, we have partnered with a Japanese technology company and currently have a cryptocurrency called Unify Platform Token (UPT) listed on the Probit Global exchange. In the coming days, it will begin to be listed on other international exchanges, primarily Whitebit and Tokenize Xchange. We are fully confident that UPT will reach a lasting peak in 2025, and we predict an average price of $100 for UPT in Q1.
Apart from that, we want to bring to life our hotel project called The Bitcoin Hotel, and we also have a digital banking project named Crypto Space Bank.
On the other hand, we are heavily investing in the health sector. We established Bluestain Global, in partnership with the Portuguese company CESPU Diagnóstico, focusing on providing rapid diagnostic tests for emerging health threats.
Geographically, our group is focused on Europe, the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), particularly Saudi Arabia, MENA (Middle East and North Africa) countries, and South America.
How is it working with many former prime ministers and diplomats on your board?
Honestly, it was a bit challenging at first, but over time, you get used to the language of high diplomacy. After all, they are human too, and since we spend time together outside of work, I’ve built strong friendships with each of them. It’s a great opportunity for me to benefit from the experiences of such valuable people who have governed countries.
What was the biggest challenge you faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?
I am about to turn 46, and I can’t recall anything in my life, let alone my career, that I achieved easily. The truth is, life is difficult in itself, and none of us have a magic wand. Every situation we encounter is a part of our personal development.
What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs and those new to the business world?
My biggest advice would be patience. First of all, it is important to accept that unless you are a genius, were born into a wealthy family, or won a large sum of money from the lottery, it is very difficult to acquire wealth before the age of 40. You need to be very patient, not be deceived by the glamorous lives on social media, desire success greatly, work diligently, and somehow create a difference.
Sertan Ayçiçek concluded the interview by thanking Mario Diel, the founder and chairman of IKAR Holdings, whom he called “big brother”.
