DeFacto Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

DeFacto has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, finance, human resources, and operations.

Driven by a commitment to accessible fashion, DeFacto provides a wide range of apparel and accessories, impacting the global retail landscape through its extensive product offerings and strategic market presence.

Leadership Roles at DeFacto

  • Chief Executive Officer - Hiroki Takahashi
  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Lauren Markham
  • Chairman & Chief Executive Officer - Hsan Ateş
  • Chief Financial Officer - Hamdi Burgaçoğlu
  • Chief Information Officer - Abdurrahman Kılınç
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Yesim Cokeker
  • Chief Operations Officer - Cerdai Ersoy
  • Hiroki Takahashi - Chief Executive Officer

    Hiroki Takahashi, the Chief Executive Officer at DeFacto, directs the company's overall strategic vision and operational execution. Takahashi guides DeFacto's expansion within the competitive apparel and fashion retail sector, ensuring alignment with market trends and consumer demands for women's, men's, and babies' fashion, accessories, denim, and cosmetics. This leadership role involves optimizing global operations and driving profitability across all business units. Takahashi's focus remains on enhancing DeFacto's market position through innovative retail strategies and efficient supply chain management. The Chief Executive Officer ensures that all departments function cohesively to achieve long-term growth objectives and maintain DeFacto's reputation for quality and value. Hiroki Takahashi's oversight extends to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and adapting to the evolving dynamics of the international fashion industry.

    Lauren Markham - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Lauren Markham, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at DeFacto, establishes the foundational principles and long-term direction for the company. Markham's entrepreneurial vision drives DeFacto's commitment to offering diverse fashion lines, including women's, men's, and babies' apparel, alongside accessories, denim, and cosmetics. This executive guides strategic initiatives aimed at solidifying DeFacto's presence in the global retail market. The Founder & Chief Executive Officer oversees critical decisions regarding product development, brand positioning, and market penetration strategies. Markham's leadership ensures that DeFacto remains responsive to evolving consumer preferences and industry shifts. By championing innovation and operational excellence, Lauren Markham cultivates an environment conducive to sustained growth and market leadership. The Founder & Chief Executive Officer's influence is central to DeFacto's mission of delivering accessible and stylish fashion worldwide.

    Hsan Ateş - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    Hsan Ateş, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at DeFacto, presides over the company's strategic governance and executive leadership. Ateş steers DeFacto's overarching business objectives, focusing on its extensive range of apparel and fashion products, including women's, men's, and babies' collections, as well as accessories, denim, and cosmetics. This position involves guiding the company's expansion and operational efficiency within the international retail landscape. The Chairman & Chief Executive Officer ensures robust corporate governance and strategic alignment across all functional areas. Ateş's leadership is critical in navigating market complexities and driving sustainable growth. By fostering strong relationships with stakeholders and overseeing key strategic decisions, Hsan Ateş reinforces DeFacto's commitment to delivering value and quality to its global customer base. The Chairman & Chief Executive Officer's role is pivotal in shaping DeFacto's future trajectory.

    Hamdi Burgaçoğlu - Chief Financial Officer

    Hamdi Burgaçoğlu, the Chief Financial Officer at DeFacto, manages the company's financial health, strategic investments, and fiscal planning. Burgaçoğlu oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, to support DeFacto's broad product categories spanning women's, men's, and babies' fashion, accessories, denim, and cosmetics. This executive ensures robust financial controls and compliance with regulatory requirements across its global operations. The Chief Financial Officer plays a key part in evaluating investment opportunities, managing capital structure, and optimizing profitability. Burgaçoğlu's expertise is vital for driving financial performance and supporting DeFacto's strategic growth initiatives in the competitive retail market. Hamdi Burgaçoğlu's leadership ensures financial stability and facilitates informed decision-making across the organization. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to risk management and enhancing shareholder value through sound financial stewardship.

    Abdurrahman Kılınç - Chief Information Officer

    Abdurrahman Kılınç, the Chief Information Officer at DeFacto, architects and directs the company's technology infrastructure and digital transformation initiatives. Kılınç oversees the integration of advanced IT solutions to support DeFacto's extensive retail operations, encompassing women's, men's, and babies' fashion, accessories, denim, and cosmetics. This role is crucial for enhancing operational efficiency, customer experience, and data security across all business segments. The Chief Information Officer drives innovation in areas such as e-commerce platforms, inventory management systems, and data analytics to support strategic decision-making. Kılınç ensures that DeFacto's technological capabilities remain competitive and scalable within the dynamic fashion retail industry. Abdurrahman Kılınç's strategic guidance enables DeFacto to leverage technology for market growth and operational excellence. The Chief Information Officer's responsibilities include managing IT budgets, cybersecurity protocols, and the development of future-ready digital strategies.

    Yesim Cokeker - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Yesim Cokeker, the Chief Human Resources Officer at DeFacto, leads the strategic development and execution of human capital initiatives. Cokeker oversees talent acquisition, employee development, compensation, and organizational culture to support DeFacto's extensive workforce across its apparel and fashion retail operations, including women's, men's, and babies' fashion, accessories, denim, and cosmetics. This role is instrumental in fostering a productive and engaging work environment that aligns with DeFacto's business objectives. The Chief Human Resources Officer drives initiatives to enhance employee performance, retention, and overall organizational effectiveness. Cokeker ensures that DeFacto's human resources strategies support its global expansion and commitment to excellence. Yesim Cokeker's leadership cultivates a strong corporate culture and develops the talent necessary for sustained success in the fashion industry. The Chief Human Resources Officer's purview includes implementing HR policies and programs that promote employee well-being and professional growth.
    Yesim Cokeker

    Cerdai Ersoy - Chief Operations Officer

    Cerdai Ersoy, the Chief Operations Officer at DeFacto, directs the company's day-to-day operational activities and supply chain management. Ersoy oversees the efficient execution of processes related to DeFacto's diverse product lines, including women's, men's, and babies' fashion, accessories, denim, and cosmetics, ensuring seamless integration from production to customer delivery. This executive focuses on optimizing operational workflows, enhancing productivity, and maintaining high standards of quality across all business functions. The Chief Operations Officer plays a critical role in managing logistics, inventory control, and distribution networks to support DeFacto's market presence. Ersoy's leadership ensures that operational strategies align with the company's growth objectives and commitment to customer satisfaction. Cerdai Ersoy's efforts are central to maintaining DeFacto's competitive edge through operational excellence. The Chief Operations Officer's responsibilities include driving efficiency improvements and implementing best practices throughout the organization.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding DeFacto Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads DeFacto?
    DeFacto is led by Hiroki Takahashi (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Lauren Markham (Founder & Chief Executive Officer) and Hsan Ateş (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of DeFacto’s executive team?
    The executive team of DeFacto includes leaders such as Hiroki Takahashi (Chief Executive Officer), Lauren Markham (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Hsan Ateş (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does DeFacto have?
    DeFacto has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in DeFacto’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of DeFacto includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Information Officer.