DeFacto Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

DeFacto has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, technology, 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 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 into new markets and oversees the development of innovative retail strategies that align with evolving consumer demands in the fashion sector. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of continuous improvement across all departments, ensuring DeFacto maintains its competitive edge in the apparel and fashion retail industry. Takahashi's focus remains on driving sustainable growth and enhancing brand value through meticulous planning and decisive action. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to managing key stakeholder relationships and championing the company's mission to deliver high-quality fashion products globally. Hiroki Takahashi ensures that DeFacto's operations consistently meet the highest standards of efficiency and customer satisfaction, solidifying its position as a leading apparel retailer.

    Lauren Markham - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Lauren Markham, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at DeFacto, established the company's foundational principles and continues to shape its strategic direction. Markham's vision drives DeFacto's commitment to offering diverse fashion lines, including women's, men's, and babies' apparel, alongside accessories, denim, and cosmetics. Overseeing the company's long-term objectives, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer ensures that DeFacto remains responsive to market trends and customer preferences. This leadership position involves cultivating innovation within product development and retail operations, aiming to enhance the customer experience across all touchpoints. Lauren Markham's influence is critical in maintaining DeFacto's brand identity and expanding its global footprint. The Founder & Chief Executive Officer's strategic insights are instrumental in navigating the complexities of the international fashion retail market, ensuring DeFacto's continued success and market leadership.

    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 directs DeFacto's overarching business strategy, focusing on market expansion and operational excellence within the competitive apparel and fashion retail sector. This critical role involves setting the tone for corporate culture and ensuring alignment between board directives and executive actions. The Chairman & Chief Executive Officer oversees major investment decisions and strategic partnerships that propel DeFacto's growth trajectory. Hsan Ateş's leadership ensures that the company's mission to provide accessible, high-quality fashion products is consistently met while navigating global market dynamics. Ateş's responsibilities include fostering strong relationships with investors and driving long-term value creation for all stakeholders, reinforcing DeFacto's standing in the retail industry.

    Hamdi Burgaçoğlu - Chief Financial Officer

    Hamdi Burgaçoğlu, the Chief Financial Officer at DeFacto, manages the company's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. Burgaçoğlu oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, ensuring DeFacto adheres to stringent regulatory standards and accounting principles. This role is pivotal in guiding investment strategies and optimizing capital allocation to support the company's expansion in the apparel and fashion retail market. The Chief Financial Officer analyzes market trends and economic conditions to inform financial decision-making, safeguarding the company's profitability and long-term financial stability. Hamdi Burgaçoğlu's expertise is crucial for DeFacto's sustainable growth, managing financial risks, and maximizing shareholder value. Burgaçoğlu ensures robust financial controls are in place, supporting the company's operational objectives and strategic initiatives.

    Abdurrahman Kılınç - Chief Information Officer

    Abdurrahman Kılınç, the Chief Information Officer at DeFacto, architects and directs the company's technology strategy and digital infrastructure. Kılınç oversees the implementation of innovative IT solutions that enhance operational efficiency and customer engagement across DeFacto's retail channels. This leadership position involves managing all aspects of information technology, including cybersecurity, data management, and system integration, to support the company's growth in the fashion retail sector. The Chief Information Officer plays a key part in leveraging technology to drive business insights and streamline processes, ensuring DeFacto remains at the forefront of digital transformation. Abdurrahman Kılınç's focus is on building scalable and secure technology platforms that empower DeFacto's global operations and enhance its competitive advantage in the market.

    Yesim Cokeker - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Yesim Cokeker, the Chief Human Resources Officer at DeFacto, leads the company's human capital strategy and organizational development initiatives. Cokeker oversees talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation, and benefits programs, fostering a positive and productive work environment that supports DeFacto's mission in the apparel and fashion retail industry. This role is critical in aligning HR policies with business objectives, ensuring the workforce is equipped to meet the demands of a dynamic global market. The Chief Human Resources Officer champions employee engagement and professional growth, cultivating a culture of excellence and innovation. Yesim Cokeker's strategic direction is vital for attracting and retaining top talent, driving DeFacto's success through its people and ensuring a cohesive organizational structure that supports expansion and operational efficiency.
    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 efficiency and effectiveness of DeFacto's retail operations, ensuring seamless product delivery and inventory management across its global network. This leadership position is crucial for optimizing logistical processes and maintaining high standards of service in the fast-paced fashion retail environment. The Chief Operations Officer focuses on implementing operational strategies that enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve overall business performance. Cerdai Ersoy's responsibilities include managing relationships with suppliers and ensuring the smooth functioning of all operational facets, supporting DeFacto's commitment to delivering quality apparel and accessories to customers worldwide.

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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.