Salih Zeki Çakır was born in 1957 in the Of district of Trabzon. He graduated from the Deck Department of the Higher Maritime School in 1979 and served as an officer and captain on commercial ships. In 1986, he advanced his expertise at the Oslo Maritime Academy in Norway, specializing in Ship Management.

With over 30 years of leadership, Mr. Çakır has led numerous projects for the development of the Turkish maritime sector. He is the founder of Trabzon Shipyard and was a founding member of Sefine Shipyard. His career is marked by the establishment of pivotal institutions, including the Istanbul Freight Index (ISTFIX) and the Association of Coastal Shipowners and Operators (KOSDER).

Beyond commercial success, he has served in high-level leadership roles, including the Scientific Board of TÜBİTAK and as the 9th Term Assembly Chairman of İMEAK (Chamber of Shipping). He currently continues his influential role in the industry through various associations and research institutes.

English speaker • Married • Four children