When Sinan Temo was appointed Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of BLG Capital, he became one of Turkey’s youngest leaders to head a major real estate investment firm. In the years since, he has transformed that early distinction into substance, leading the organisation through an era of international expansion and redefining its approach to luxury property investment across Europe, the United States, and the Middle East.
Under his leadership, BLG Capital has evolved from a domestic developer into a globally recognised investment platform. The company’s sale of its stake in Galataport Istanbul, a landmark $2.2 billion transaction, not only cemented its position as a key player in large-scale urban regeneration but also created the financial foundation for its European ambitions. Today, as BLG Capital looks toward London, Milan, and other strategic European cities, Temo’s influence is evident in every facet of its growth strategy.
The Making of a Global Strategist
Temo’s leadership style blends analytical precision with long-term vision, a combination rooted in his academic and professional journey. With a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the University of Southern California and a Master’s in Real Estate Development from Columbia University, he brings both technical and strategic dimensions to investment decision-making.
Before joining BLG Capital, Temo worked with Thor Equities Group in New York, gaining hands-on experience in international property development and portfolio management. Those formative years shaped his belief that successful real estate strategy requires both quantitative discipline and cultural fluency, an understanding that would later underpin BLG Capital’s cross-border partnerships.
Building a Global Portfolio
The company’s projects under Temo’s direction embody a consistent balance between architectural ambition and commercial acumen. Galataport Istanbul, a transformative waterfront development on the Bosphorus, redefined the city’s relationship with its coastline through a blend of luxury retail, hospitality, and public space. Similarly, Aman Bodrum on Turkey’s southwest coast demonstrates BLG Capital’s ability to deliver exceptional hospitality experiences that align with global luxury standards while reflecting local identity.
Beyond Turkey, Temo has guided BLG Capital into key international markets. The Greenwich in New York, contributions to Mandarin Oriental properties in both Manhattan and Beverly Hills, and the development of Soho House Istanbul all reflect a deliberate strategy to align the firm with globally respected lifestyle and hospitality brands.
European Expansion and Partnership Strategy
Temo’s approach to expansion prioritises collaboration over competition. The recent establishment of a €500 million fund with Bizzi & Partners illustrates this philosophy: a partnership model designed to pool resources, expertise, and local knowledge to pursue large-scale European opportunities.
Rather than pursuing aggressive acquisition, Temo’s leadership favours precision, identifying projects that combine long-term value creation with cultural and architectural significance. He believes growth is not just about scale, but about relevance. That mindset positions BLG Capital not simply as a developer, but as a curator of destinations that shape how people live, travel, and interact with urban environments.
A Sustainable Vision
Environmental responsibility is becoming an increasingly decisive factor in luxury real estate, and under Temo’s direction, BLG Capital has embedded sustainability into its design and operational ethos. The Peninsula Istanbul, which achieved BREEAM Excellent certification, exemplifies this commitment, integrating energy efficiency, responsible materials, and advanced building performance from conception through completion.
As BLG Capital extends its European footprint, sustainability remains central to both its brand and investment criteria. For Temo, environmental standards are not just regulatory checkboxes but strategic differentiators that enhance long-term asset value and investor appeal.
Leadership and Legacy
At just a few years into his tenure, Sinan Temo represents a new generation of real estate leadership, one that merges data-driven analysis with cultural awareness and long-term partnership thinking. His ability to balance ambition with prudence has helped BLG Capital navigate market complexities while expanding its global influence.
Looking ahead, his focus is on consolidating BLG Capital’s European presence and continuing to develop projects that combine architectural integrity, sustainability, and experiential value. The capital released from the Galataport sale provides unprecedented flexibility, but it is Temo’s clarity of vision that will determine how effectively it is deployed.