With New Office in Istanbul, APB Increases International Presence

07 Dec 2018

Citing a growing list of clients in Europe, Asia and the Middle East and the advantages of an office based at the crossroads of these key markets, APB founder and CEO Robert P. Walker has announced the establishment of an international partnership based in Istanbul, Turkey. The new office, to be headed by Managing Director Ahmet Turhaner, will focus on marketing APB’s large roster of speakers to clients based in those regions. “Ahmet is the perfect person for the job,” said Walker. “All of us are so pleased to welcome him to the APB family.”

Turhaner brings an extensive background in the speaking and conference industry. This includes 10 years as Founding Partner of CSA Celebrity Speakers and as Turkey Representative, London Speakers Bureau. An M.B.A. with more than 20 years experience, Turhaner has also worked in the publishing and pharmaceutical industries. He brings a highly entrepreneurial background and is skilled in marketing, business planning and product management.

Opening an Istanbul office is a natural evolution for Boston-headquartered APB, which also has offices in Chicago and San Diego. Known as one of the industry’s most respected speaker, celebrity and entertainment agencies, APB has been doing business internationally for more than half a century. Their prestigious roster of speakers features former heads of state, Nobel Laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, business thought leaders and celebrities from the worlds of sports and entertainment. Prominent names include Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Mikhail Gorbachev, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, former President of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Academy Award-winning actress Mira Sorvino and renowned journalists Carl Bernstein, Dan Rather, John Quiñones and Nicholas Kristof.

“We had many potential partners to choose from, but Ahmet’s background and passion for the speaking business made him the natural choice,” continued Walker. "I know that he has what it takes to take us to the next level in Eurasia and the Middle East.”