Early Life
Semahat Sevim Arsel was born in Ankara, Turkey, in 1928. She is the eldest child of Vehbi Koç, the founder of Koç Holding, and Sadberk Koç. She graduated from the American College for Girls in Istanbul.
Rise to Success
Arsel began her career in 1964 as a Member of the Board of Directors of Koç Holding and continues to hold this position. She has been involved in various companies, including Koç Holding, Ford Otosan, Tüpraş, and Arçelik. She owns a 6.15% stake in the family business. She is the chairperson of the Vehbi Koç Foundation and the founder of the Koç University School of Nursing.
Key Business Strategies
Arsel has significantly contributed to Koç Holding through her work in the tourism and service sectors. She played a key role in building the Divan brand into an internationally renowned, luxury brand and is currently chair of the board of directors of the Divan Group. In 1996, she became chair of the board of directors at SETUR, a travel and tourism company connected to Koç Holding.
Philanthropy
Semahat Arsel has been involved in numerous philanthropic initiatives. Along with her husband, she created a one million dollar fund for the establishment of NASAMER, a center that deals with matters of international trade law. She has also supported the Semahat Arsel Nursing Education and Research Center (SANERC). Arsel founded the Koç University School of Nursing. She is the chairperson of the Vehbi Koç Foundation. She is also the vice president of the Florence Nightingale Foundation.