“Few figures have left as profound a mark on Turkey’s retail and real estate sectors as Avi Alkaş”, says Reinhard Winiwarter, Managing Director of ACROSS. “With a career spanning decades and a legacy of transformative projects, Avi has emerged not just as a market leader, but as a visionary thinker redefining the spaces in which we live, work, and shop. He is a powerful force in shaping the future of urban spaces – always with an eye toward sustainability, collaboration, and the next generation of leaders.”
From his pivotal roles as Turkey Country Chairman and later as Chairman of JLL Israel, Alkaş has channeled his deep knowledge of Turkey’s commercial landscape into major developments that have reshaped urban life. Under his guidance, landmark projects such as Cevahir, Antares, Via Port, Zorlu Center, and Family Mall Erbil came to life – setting new standards in design, consumer experience, and commercial success.
Alkaş’s influence extends well beyond bricks and mortar. As the Turkish representative for MAPIC and MIPIM, two of the world’s largest retail and real estate exhibitions, he has helped bridge Turkey’s market with global investors and innovators. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his foresight led to the creation of the Digital Network Alkaş (DNA) – a platform designed to provide digital solutions to a sector in flux.
His entrepreneurial drive remains strong. In 2020, he co-founded HAN Spaces in collaboration with furniture brand Nurus, responding to the rising demand for flexible and coworking office solutions. His foray into hospitality, as co-owner of the boutique hotel Miamai in Bozburun, adds yet another layer to his diverse portfolio.
Alkaş’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. He is a respected figure within the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), where he has served on the European Advisory Board and chaired juries for prestigious awards. In 2010, he received the ICSC Distinguished Service Award for his dedication to the field. He also plays an active role in Turkey’s business and policy communities through organizations such as TÜSİAD, DEİK, and TAMPF.
Beyond business, Alkaş is deeply committed to education and social impact. In memory of his late son, he founded the Alp Alkaş Retail and Real Estate Center (AARREC) at Özyeğin University in 2013. With more than 450 graduates to date, the center is a cornerstone for developing future leaders in the industry. He is also the author of “Adding Valuable Insights (The Business of Receiving and Giving),” a book that weaves together personal experiences, entrepreneurial wisdom, and reflections on the future of the retail and real estate sectors.
About the ACROSS Advisory Board
The ACROSS Advisory Board was established in mid-2016. From day one, the Board’s stated goal has been offering its topic formulation expertise. Over the years, the board has not only grown, but it has also become more interdisciplinary, just like the retail real estate world itself. In addition to shopping center managers, the board includes architects, retail experts, financial experts, PropTech professionals, consultants, and outlet managers. The mix of expertise from the various areas that our industry has to offer makes the ACROSS board unique. That is not only because the mixed-use asset class is rising, but also because collaboration and embracing innovative approaches are essential to our business. The ACROSS Advisory Board is currently comprised of 31 members. That allows us to monitor current trends and changes within the industry closely and to be able to classify them.
