Sisecam Chairman Prof. Dr. Kirman Presented with 'Glass Person of the Year' Award
Sisecam Chairman and Fully Authorized Executive Member of The Board of Directors Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kirman received the 'Glass Person of the Year 2023' award for his long-term, significant, and valuable contributions to the global glass industry. This prestigious award, widely known as the 'Oscar' of the glass industry, was presented to Prof. Dr. Kirman by the Phoenix Award Committee at a special ceremony held in Como, Italy. Representatives of the global glass industry and the business world convened at this special event, where Phoenix Award Committee Chairman Lincoln Brown presented the award to Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kirman.
At the award ceremony, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kirman delivered a speech on how the glass industry can play an active role in for solving the major challenges that the world is currently facing: “Today, the world has three critical problems, and the glass industry could have a vital role to play in solving these problems. The biggest issue the world is facing today is unequal income distribution. The glass industry should adopt a more constructive and inclusive approach that enriches not only its shareholders but also its employees. We must go beyond defining everything with costs and EBITDA and step up our efforts to correct the income distribution in the glass ecosystem. Another pressing issue is that the concept of a sustainable world is not sufficiently taken into consideration for the sake of political and economic interests, in spite of being strongly voiced, especially in developed countries and at the United Nations. First of all, the glass industry needs to act together to address resource use. In order to tackle our common problems effectively, we must create a shared wisdom, free from the desire for profit, and focused on collaboration rather than competition. Another critical issue is that the world's population has exceeded 8 billion and women, who make up more than half the total, are still not offered an equitable environment despite a lot of sophisticated rhetoric. We should also work harder to provide equal opportunities for women in the glass industry at all levels and every stage of production."
Prof. Dr. Kirman also expressed his thoughts about the Glass Person of the Year Award: "It is a tremendous honor to be presented with this prestigious award. My professional journey has included roles as a judge, an academic, and a banker, culminating in my experience in the glass industry. It is very impressive both in terms of motivation and responsibility to know that what we do is followed and appreciated in this sector. I would like to thank the distinguished members of the Committee."
Phoenix Award Committee Chairman Lincoln Brown stated that they were very happy to present this award to Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kirman, who had made significant contributions to the development of the glass industry for 17 years. He also pointed out that Sisecam was able to become a global powerhouse under Prof. Dr. Kirman's inspiring leadership.
For an exclusive interview in the Sept/Oct issue of Glass Worldwide with Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kirman about receiving this accolade, visit https://www.glassworldwide.co.uk/Articles/exclusive-sisecam-phoenix-awar...
