Mustafa V. Koç, the chairman of the company that owns Turkey-based RMK Marine, died of a heart attack this morning. He was 55 years old.
Koç (pronounced “coach”) had been serving as chairman of Koç Holding, a family business, since 2003. The company was established by his grandfather, the late Vehbi Koç. It has diverse holdings, including interests in tourism, energy, and finance. It’s also the largest holding company in Turkey.
Koç Holding acquired RMK Marine in 1997, keeping its focus on naval vessels, commercial craft, and superyachts. Among its best-known projects is the sailing superyacht Nazenin V, delivered in 2010. RMK Marine is also building all of the Oyster superyachts. Koç Holdings is additionally the majority shareholder of the Florida-based service yard RMK Merrill-Stevens. It acquired the stake in 2003.
Mustafa Koç wasn’t just professionally interested in yachting. He had a personal passion for sailing, too.
Mustafa Koç was born in Istabul and studied in both Switzerland and the United States. He graduated from George Washington University, in fact. He is survived by his wife and two daughters, as well as his father and two siblings.
The Koç Holding website posted the following message:
It is with deepest grief that we share the news about the loss of Koç Holding Chairman Mr. Mustafa V. Koç. He passed away despite all immediate emergency medical care measures taken.
The funeral of the late Mustafa V. Koç, Chairman of Koç Holding, will be held on Sunday, January 24, 2016, at the Teşvikiye Mosque following the noon prayers (around 12:20). The funeral service will take place at the Zincirlikuyu Cemetery, Koç Family Plot. Condolences will be accepted at the Elmadağ Divan Hotel, for seven days starting Friday, January 22, 2016, between the hours 16:00–19:00. Respectfully announced to the public.
There is no word on who will take over as chairman from Mustafa Koç. There is also no word on what strategic changes, if any, will occur.
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