CEO Series: Burak Akgül on Turquoise Yachts' milestone launches, long-term goals and the state of yacht building in Turkey

When Patrik von Sydow stepped down as CEO of Turquoise Yachts at the end of November 2025, the Turkish shipyard turned to one of its own: board member and executive director Burak Akgül, who took the helm with immediate effect. Akgül brings more than three decades of industry experience to the role, including a lengthy tenure with Italian builder Perini Navi (now The Italian Sea Group). 

In conversation with BOATPro, the CEO reflects on his first year in the job, the yard’s recent milestone launches, why owners should have confidence in Turkish yacht building and what lies ahead for Turquoise...