Ahmet Kahraman, who is Bolu’s and our country’s esteemed industrialist, was born in 18 September, 1950. In his educational life which began in Ankara, he completed his higher-education at the Ankara Economic and Commercial Sciences Academy (AITIA) after his primary and secondary school education. In 1978, he received his post-graduate degree at the Institute of Business Management and successfully completed his educational life. Immediately after his education, he did his national service as a reserve officer in the Air Force.     

Ahmet Kahraman began his business life in the construction and forestry products sectors during his university years. During that time, the foundation of knowledge and experiences which would make him a pioneer in the sector was laid. For about 20 years, he concentrated all of his work and efforts on a single objective he wished to reach. To produce… Finally, by buying Gentaş in 1992 which belonged to Development Bank and was in a very difficult situation, he took a determined and accurate step towards his target. Gentaş was reborn from its ashes due to Mr. Kahraman’s farsightedness, his skill in identifying the existing deficiencies in the sector and his entrepreneurial character which did not avoid taking risks and attained a structure which was stronger than ever. Gentaş soared, developed and expanded within a very short period of time. While Gentaş Corporate Group which consists of 7 different subsidiaries today significantly decreased importation in the sector, it contributed a high added value to the country’s economy with its exportation activities as well.

Ahmet Kahraman has also assumed duties at the Bolu Chamber of Industry and Trade Speakership, Central Anatolian Exporter’s Associations Sector and Coordinatorship Directorate, The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) Forestry Sector Speakership and has contributed to the sector and our country. Mr. Kahraman’s sector focused rather than company focused global mode of thought has paved the way for not only Gentaş but other Turkish companies in the same sector as well and it has been made possible for them to reach high exportation capacities. The idea that competition would bring success and that real competition can only be possible between similar forces has become the driving power for a scientific and overall sector improvement. Mr. Kahraman’s understanding that if his country and nation wins, there would be a profit in that gain is exemplary for the businessmen of the future.

Gentaş is Ahmet Kahraman’s most prized work and will continue to exist as long as it is commemorated in his name and this work will continue to grow in the hands of the trusted people he has trained and to produce added value for his country. We will continue to keep the name of our esteemed elder who has adopted righteousness and justice as principles and has never made any compromises on his values alive and take his understanding as an example. May you rest in peace.