Ahmet Yasar
Quick Sigorta (Maher Holdings)
Insurance Group Head at Maher Holding and Vice President of Insurance Association of Türkiye - Türkiye Sigorta Birliği
Ahmet Yaşar, Insurance Group Head at Maher Holdings and Vice President of Insurance Association of Türkiye, talks to Qorus’ Boris Plantier about his journey from media to insurance leadership—and how curiosity still fuels his approach to strategy, innovation, and team culture.
Can you tell us a bit about your background?
It all started with curiosity. As a child, I began collecting newspapers, which eventually led me to publishing, communication, and finally, the insurance sector. I graduated from Istanbul University, Faculty of Communication. Early in my career, I worked in media and public relations, later moving into sector-specific publishing in managerial roles. That period gave me a vision: I began to see insurance not only as a financial tool but also as a communication business.
My professional journey in the insurance sector began in 2001. Over the years, I held various responsibilities across public and private institutions. Since 2010, I have taken on senior leadership roles focusing on strategy, product development, and market positioning. In 2017, I became one of the founding members of Quick Sigorta, witnessing the birth of a new-generation insurance company. I later led the creation of other innovative brands such as Corpus Sigorta, Quick Finans, QPAY, QCAR Mobility, and Quick Hayat. Today, as the Head of Maher Holding Insurance Group, I work on growing this ecosystem. I also serve as the Vice President of the Insurance Association of Turkey, contributing to the sector’s growth, deepening, and increasing public trust.
In short, I have a career story that began in publishing, grew with people, and is now heading toward the future through innovation. I walk a path where I always place people and knowledge at the center.
What is your workplace like?
Quick Tower is located in the heart of Istanbul—a smart and environmentally friendly building. It’s LEED Platinum certified, and not only people-friendly, but also pet-friendly. We use an open office layout that encourages visibility and idea exchange. My own office is a busy space, constantly filled with meetings and visitors. Our large meeting table is always active—hosting brainstorms, guests, and strategy sessions. It’s a high-energy, creative, and sincere environment. We’re like a buzzing hive.
Describe a typical day at work.
My day almost always starts early. I often have meetings in different cities, sometimes abroad, and of course internal strategy meetings. Even when I’m at the office, it’s rare to have a quiet moment—there's always a visitor, a call, or a video meeting. I also try to stay active on social media to maintain digital communication alongside the physical. Thanks to my publishing background, I stay directly involved in all our brands’ content, media, and communication efforts.
What’s your favorite food?
I’m a bit unlucky in this area! Genetically, I have high uric acid, which sadly keeps me away from favorites like peas and beans. But sometimes I can’t resist and indulge despite the consequences. I'm not picky, but I have a special place in my heart for traditional homemade meals.
What do you do to unwind or take a break?
If I’ve had a particularly intense period and know the next day will be calmer, I enjoy spending time with my newspaper collection or organizing my archive of old insurance policies. In those moments, time seems to stand still. I even dream of curating a small exhibition one day.
What’s the key to building a successful team?
Communication, trust, and shared goals. I place great importance on understanding my teammates personally—what they think, what they need. We brainstorm together, celebrate achievements together. When people feel heard, a sense of belonging and success follows naturally. At Maher Holding, we’re not just employees—we’re a community that creates together.
Tell us about a failure and what you learned from it.
I believe failure is just a curve on the road to success. During the pandemic, when many were saying office towers would become obsolete, we decided to acquire Quick Tower. Some thought it was risky. But I believed the new world would not disappear physically—it would thrive in meaningful spaces. Today, Quick Tower isn’t just a building; it’s a center of value creation. The lesson: trust your instincts and your preparation.
What advice would you give someone who wants to succeed in financial services?
Be curious and eager to learn. Insurance is the most human-facing part of financial services—it touches lives. To succeed, you must be trustworthy. Understand people before numbers, and life before regulations. Follow emerging economies, digitalization, and risk management closely. But most importantly, don’t just sell products—focus on offering solutions.
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