Ömer Bolat

Ömer Bolat (born 30 August 1963) is a Turkish academician and politician. He has made contributions to the fields of economics, international relations, and business administration throughout his career. Bolat became the minister of trade of the 67th cabinet of Turkey.

Education
Bolat graduated from the Marmara University Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, specializing in International Economic Relations, in 1984. He completed his post-graduate education at University of Amsterdam. Later, he earned a master's degree from the Kiel Institute for the World Economy in Germany, specialising in International Economy and Business Administration. Subsequently, he obtained his doctorate from the Marmara University Institute of European Studies.

Academic career
In recognition of his scholarly contributions, Bolat was appointed as an associate professor in 2014, followed by his promotion to the rank of Professor in 2019. Between September 2015 and September 2020, Ömer Bolat conducted post-graduate courses in International Economy, Administration, Business Administration, and Entrepreneurship at Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University. On October 1, 2020, he assumed the role of an academic member at Istanbul Commerce University, where he taught courses on "Entrepreneurship and New Business Models" and "Leadership Theories."

His academic output includes nearly 30 reports, four books, and over 300 articles.

Professional Experience
Bolat's career extends beyond academia. He served as an expert researcher at the Economic Development Foundation from 1982 to 1993. In 1993, he became the Secretary General of the Independent Industrialists and Businessmen Association (MUSİAD). During his 15-year tenure on the MUSİAD Board of Directors, he held key positions, including Secretary General, Deputy President and President.

Additionally, Mr. Bolat served as the General Coordinator of Albayrak Group for 23 years, from May 2000 to June 2023. He continues to contribute as a senior executive and columnist at Derin Ekonomi magazine since June 2015 and Z-Raporu economy magazine since June 2019. He also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Turkish Aerospace Industries.

Political engagement
Bolat actively engaged in politics and held several important positions within the Justice and Development Party (AK Party). He served as a member of the Central Decision and Administrative Committee (CDAC) for three years between September 2012 and September 2015. Additionally, he contributed to the AK Party Political Virtue and Ethics Committee between 2015 and 2016.

In 2023, Bolat was appointed as the Minister of Trade by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Personal life
Professor Bolat is married and has two children.