Sabanci University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Sabanci University has 6 executives leading key functions including financial management, human resources, presidential operations, educational analysis, institutional leadership, and administrative affairs.

Committed to academic excellence, Sabanci University fosters a global learning environment designed to equip students with the essential skills required for success in international professional landscapes.

Leadership Roles at Sabanci University

  • Chief Financial Officer - Huriye Okumuşoglu
  • Chief of Staff To the President - Arzu Dinç
  • Education Processes Planning&Analysis Senior Spec.-President's Office and Eğitim Süreçleri Planl.&Analiz - Müjgan Baysal
  • Founder & President - Ekin Marlalı
  • President's Office Administrative Affairs Specialist - Pnar Tolan
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Elif Gül
  • Huriye Okumuşoglu - Chief Financial Officer

    Huriye Okumuşoglu, the Chief Financial Officer at Sabanci University, manages the entire fiscal architecture of the institution. Overseeing budgetary allocations and long-term financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the university maintains robust economic health to support research and educational initiatives. This role involves coordinating with the Board to optimize resource distribution across various departments. By implementing rigorous auditing standards and fiscal controls, Huriye Okumuşoglu secures the capital necessary for infrastructure development and faculty recruitment. The Chief Financial Officer drives financial transparency, enabling the university to sustain its competitive position within the higher education sector. Through careful oversight of endowment funds and operational expenditures, the Chief Financial Officer guarantees that institutional goals align with available financial resources. This strategic management of assets allows the university to expand its reach across international academic markets while maintaining fiscal stability.

    Arzu Dinç - Chief of Staff To the President

    Arzu Dinç, the Chief of Staff To the President at Sabanci University, coordinates executive communications and strategic initiatives for the office of the president. Managing the flow of information between the president and the various academic departments, the Chief of Staff To the President ensures that institutional priorities receive immediate attention. This role involves facilitating high-level meetings and overseeing the execution of long-term university projects. By streamlining administrative workflows, Arzu Dinç enables the president to focus on external partnerships and academic vision. The Chief of Staff To the President monitors the progress of key university objectives, providing the necessary data to support informed decision-making. Through the management of complex cross-departmental projects, the Chief of Staff To the President maintains organizational alignment. This position acts as a central hub for institutional strategy, ensuring that all operational activities contribute to the overarching mission of the university.

    Müjgan Baysal - Education Processes Planning&Analysis Senior Spec.-President's Office and Eğitim Süreçleri Planl.&Analiz

    Müjgan Baysal, the Education Processes Planning&Analysis Senior Spec.-President's Office and Eğitim Süreçleri Planl.&Analiz at Sabanci University, evaluates the effectiveness of academic curricula and institutional learning outcomes. Analyzing data trends within the educational framework, the Education Processes Planning&Analysis Senior Spec.-President's Office and Eğitim Süreçleri Planl.&Analiz identifies opportunities for pedagogical improvement. This role involves collaborating with faculty to refine teaching methodologies and ensure alignment with international standards. By conducting detailed assessments of student performance metrics, Müjgan Baysal provides actionable insights to the president office. The Education Processes Planning&Analysis Senior Spec.-President's Office and Eğitim Süreçleri Planl.&Analiz drives the optimization of academic processes, ensuring that the university remains at the forefront of educational innovation. Through rigorous analysis of educational delivery, the Education Processes Planning&Analysis Senior Spec.-President's Office and Eğitim Süreçleri Planl.&Analiz supports the university commitment to producing graduates with the skills required for global career success.

    Ekin Marlalı - Founder & President

    Ekin Marlalı, the Founder & President at Sabanci University, defines the overarching vision and strategic direction of the institution. Overseeing the expansion of academic programs and the cultivation of international partnerships, the Founder & President ensures the university remains a leader in higher education. This leadership role involves engaging with stakeholders to secure the resources necessary for research and innovation. By championing the university mission, Ekin Marlalı drives the development of a curriculum that prepares students for the complexities of the global workforce. The Founder & President coordinates with the executive team to maintain high standards of academic excellence and institutional integrity. Through the promotion of a culture of inquiry and critical thinking, the Founder & President shapes the future of the university. This strategic guidance ensures that the institution continues to produce qualified individuals who possess the knowledge and skills required to pursue a career anywhere in the world.

    Pnar Tolan - President's Office Administrative Affairs Specialist

    Pnar Tolan, the President's Office Administrative Affairs Specialist at Sabanci University, manages the daily operational logistics within the office of the president. Coordinating schedules, travel, and administrative documentation, the President's Office Administrative Affairs Specialist ensures the seamless functioning of executive activities. This role involves maintaining records and facilitating communication between the president and external partners. By organizing high-priority administrative tasks, Pnar Tolan allows the executive leadership to focus on strategic institutional goals. The President's Office Administrative Affairs Specialist oversees the preparation of reports and presentations that support the university mission. Through the efficient management of office resources, the President's Office Administrative Affairs Specialist contributes to the overall productivity of the leadership team. This focus on operational excellence ensures that the president office remains responsive to the needs of the university community and its various stakeholders across the region.
    Pnar Tolan

    Elif Gül - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Elif Gül, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Sabanci University, directs all talent acquisition and organizational development strategies. Managing the lifecycle of faculty and staff, the Chief Human Resources Officer architects programs that foster professional growth and institutional loyalty. This leadership role involves designing compensation structures and performance evaluation frameworks that attract top-tier academic talent from global markets. By aligning human capital initiatives with the university mission, Elif Gül ensures a high-performance culture across all departments. The Chief Human Resources Officer oversees compliance with labor regulations and promotes diversity within the workforce. Through the implementation of advanced training modules, the Chief Human Resources Officer enhances the operational efficiency of the administrative and academic teams. This focus on human capital development directly supports the university goal of producing highly qualified individuals capable of succeeding in any professional environment worldwide.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Colleges & Universities

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Sabanci University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Sabanci University?
    Sabanci University is led by Huriye Okumuşoglu (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Arzu Dinç (Chief of Staff To the President) and Müjgan Baysal (Education Processes Planning&Analysis Senior Spec.-President's Office and Eğitim Süreçleri Planl.&Analiz).
    Who is part of Sabanci University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Sabanci University includes leaders such as Huriye Okumuşoglu (Chief Financial Officer), Arzu Dinç (Chief of Staff To the President), Müjgan Baysal (Education Processes Planning&Analysis Senior Spec.-President's Office and Eğitim Süreçleri Planl.&Analiz) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Sabanci University have?
    Sabanci University has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Sabanci University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Sabanci University includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff To the President, Education Processes Planning&Analysis Senior Spec.-President's Office and Eğitim Süreçleri Planl.&Analiz, Founder & President, President's Office Administrative Affairs Specialist.