Exiled: Sacit Akbaş, YEO Teknoloji
Sacit Akbaş, Head of Investments at YEO. Having begun his career as a civil engineer before specialising in geotechnical engineering in the United States, Sacit has spent more than two decades helping deliver infrastructure and renewable energy projects around the world. Watch this episode to understand the lengths to Sacits loyalty.
Welcome to Exiled: Dealmakers on a Desert Island, the podcast where we 'strand' a guest on a remote island and ask them who from their professional past, present and future they would choose to have by their side. After all, it's the people we meet throughout our careers who often shape them the most.
In this episode, we sit down with Sacit Akbaş, Head of Investments at YEO Teknoloji. Having begun his career as a civil engineer before specialising in geotechnical engineering in the United States, Sacit has spent more than two decades helping deliver infrastructure and renewable energy projects around the world. Today, he leads on investments at YEO focussed on renewable energy projects across Türkiye and international markets.
From his past
Sacit's choice from his professional past is his first supervisor in the United States, Steve Whiteside. Following the devastating 1999 earthquake in Türkiye, Sacit was inspired to specialise in geotechnical engineering, where he could contribute to designing safer infrastructure. Working under Steve on major dam and reservoir projects proved to be career-defining, with Sacit describing him as both a mentor and a "superhero" who shaped not only his technical expertise but also his approach to leadership.
From his present
For his current companion, Sacit chose YEO founder and chairman Tolga Yıldız. More than simply selecting his boss, Sacit highlighted the entrepreneurial vision that transformed a small start-up into a global renewable energy business operating across four continents. He credits that long-term strategic thinking and willingness to evolve—from EPC contractor to investor, manufacturer and strategic partner—as a key inspiration in his own leadership journey.
From his future
Looking ahead, Sacit took a different approach by choosing not one individual, but his entire team. For him, the future of the energy transition will always be built on collaboration, recognising that lasting success comes from talented people working towards a common goal rather than individual achievement.
Bonus round
When asked who he would bring from outside of work, Sacit's first instinct was to give the diplomatic answer—his wife! He joked that she might be watching the episode, before adding that a few close friends would also make life on a deserted island a little more enjoyable.
Conference reflections
Recorded during Exile Group's Global Development & Climate Finance Forum in Prague, Sacit also shared his biggest takeaways from three days of meetings and discussions. Collaboration emerged as the dominant theme, with financiers, export credit agencies and development finance institutions increasingly looking beyond traditional partnerships to work together on projects across borders.
He also reflected on how renewable energy developers are evolving. Rather than simply constructing projects, businesses like YEO are becoming long-term strategic partners—supporting everything from project development and financing through to asset optimisation and long-term value creation.
Tune in soon for another episode of Exiled: Dealmakers on a Desert Island.
