Born in Istanbul in 1961, M. Özalp Birol graduated from Bogazici University, Department of Management (Sales and Marketing) in 1983.
Between 1985-1994, he worked in various positions ranging from brand management to sales and marketing management at Unilever and Nestle Group of Companies and Turcas Petroleum, Inc. (Türkpetrol Holding).
Joining Yapi Kredi in 1994, Mr. Birol held the positions of "Vice President of Advertising, Public Relations, Culture and Art Department at Yapı Kredi Bank, Inc.”, “General Manager and Board Member of Yapı Kredi Culture, Art and Publishing, Inc.” and “Director of Corporate Communications at Yapı Kredi Bank, Inc.” until his departure in 2001.
Between 2001 – 2004, M. Özalp Birol took on the positions of “General Manager and Board Member of Koç Culture, Art and Communication Services, Inc.” and “Corporate Communications Director of Koç Financial Services, Inc.”, at the Koç Group.
Since 2004, Mr. Birol has held the position of “General Manager of Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation Culture and Arts Enterprises”, working at Pera Museum and Istanbul Research Institute, overseeing the Foundation’s works in the field of culture and art.
He is also a Member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
Mr. Birol received the Republic of Poland’s Distinguished Service Order of Merit in 2014. He served as a Member of the Advisory Board for Turkish Pavillions at the Venice Art Biennials International Art Exhibitions in 2017, 2019, and 2022. He continues this duty at the 60th Venice Biennial to be held in 2024.
