A. Ümit Taftalı earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Ball State University (Indiana) and his MBA degree from University of South Carolina. He also participated in senior executive programs at Harvard University. Taftalı is an investment banker and wealth manager with nearly 40 years of international experience. He has worked in executive positions in Atlanta, New York and London for Merrill Lynch & Company, Bankers Trust Company and Goldman Sachs International. Taftalı represented and advised Mrs. Suna (Koç) Kıraç between 2001-2020 was a Member of Koç Holding Executive Committee until April 2021. He currently manages the Koç family’s private investment office and is Chairman of Kare Portföy. Taftalı is or has been Board/Founding Member of various philanthropic and professional organizations such as Suna-İnan Kıraç Foundation, Educational Volunteers Foundation of Turkey (TESEV), Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen Association (TÜSİAD), Saint Joseph Educational Foundation, Educational Volunteers Foundation of Turkey (TEGV), Galatasaray Sport Club, American Finance Association (USA), Financial Management Association (USA), Museum of American Financial History (USA), Ball State University Foundation (USA), Turkish Bankers Association (UK), University of South Carolina Foundation (USA). Taftalı has been a Board Member of Yapı Kredi and Koç Financial Services since April 2016.