Bahadir Samli

Bahadir Samli is a technology executive with over three decades of experience in banking and financial services. Currently serving as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) at ING Belgium since April 2021, Bahadir is a member of the ING Belgium executive committee and is internationally recognised for his strategic vision, technical and business acumen, and inclusive leadership style.

Prior to his current role, Bahadir held the position of EVP/CIO and Senior VP at ING Bank Turkey for over six years, leading major IT strategies and transformation programmes that improved core banking systems and operational efficiency.

He is widely known as a change ambassador driving digital transformation. His leadership was instrumental in the ING Belgium’s Route 24 and Together for Progress programs, simplifying IT landscapes, scaling global services, reducing application footprint with the top priority providing our customers with the best possible experiences.

His leadership style—rooted in ‘care and dare’”—emphasizes authenticity, trust, and constructive challenge. He believes in leading by example, fostering a culture where people feel empowered to speak up, make mistakes, and grow together.

Bahadir’s commitment to people development is grounded in authenticity, diversity, collaboration, and openness. He fosters environments where colleagues feel valued and empowered to bring their full selves to work, unlocking trust, creativity, and high performance. His commitment to diverse perspectives drives innovation, while a collaborative and open culture strengthens team resilience and continuous growth. Under his guidance, the organization has seen a notable rise in employee engagement, with stabilized turnover.

Bahadir is committed to leading his teams through a constant changing environment, with a sharp focus on emerging technologies and building a future-ready workforce. His people-first leadership and clear vision continue to shape an organisation that is resilient, innovative, and ready to seize tomorrow’s opportunities. Moreover, ensuring a seamless and satisfying customer experience is the top priority.

Through this, the ambition is clear: ING as best bank in Belgium – for people by people through technology!