Hitit CEO Nevra Onursal Karaağaç Honored as “Leader of the Year” at The Source Awards 2026

Hitit CEO Nevra Onursal Karaağaç Honored as “Leader of the Year” at The Source Awards 2026

Nevra Onursal Karaağaç, CEO of Hitit, a global provider of airline and travel technology solutions, has been named “Leader of the Year” at The Source Awards 2026. She was recognized by an international jury for the societal impact of the “Rackets Up” social responsibility project. Karaağaç received the award at a ceremony held in London.

27 April 2026, London – Nevra Onursal Karaağaç, CEO of Hitit, has achieved a significant milestone through her socially driven leadership. She was awarded “Leader of the Year” at The Source Awards, held for the first time this year, receiving the top global honor.

The award was presented as part of  The Source Awards, an initiative that highlights the social impact of C-level executives in Türkiye and around the world. The evaluation process was conducted by an international jury comprising academics from leading institutions, including Bayes Business School, the University of Cambridge, King’s College London, and Imperial College London. The ceremony took place on 17 April at Bayes Business School in London.

Rackets Up Project Receives International Recognition

At the core of this recognition is “Rackets Up”, Türkiye’s first sustainable table tennis project, launched by Hitit in 2018. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals; specifically Good Health and Well-being, Quality Education, and Reduced Inequalities. The project aims to increase children’s access to sports, promote equal opportunities, and create long-term social impact.

To date, the project has reached 411 public schools across Türkiye, providing more than 160,000 students with the opportunity to learn table tennis. In collaboration with the Turkish Table Tennis Federation, 430 physical education teachers have received coaching training, contributing to the project’s long-term sustainability. As part of the initiative, schools have been equipped with table tennis equipment, and school teams have been established. Local tournaments, along with the Turkish Championship, have helped foster a sustainable sports ecosystem. Additionally, initiatives carried out in Kahramanmaraş and Malatya following the earthquake have supported the psychosocial recovery of children.

“True Impact Is Achieved by Reaching Where It Is Needed”

Commenting on the award, Nevra Onursal Karaağaç said: “Rackets Up is much more than a corporate social responsibility project for us; it is a journey dedicated to creating a lasting impact on children’s lives. As a technology company, we made a conscious decision to invest in an area beyond our core business, because meaningful impact can only be achieved by being present where it is most needed. Reaching every province, connecting with children individually, and taking responsibility for this process is incredibly valuable to me. This award is a reflection of that approach.”

“From Sustainable Strategy to Tangible Impact”

Emphasizing her continued commitment to the Rackets Up project, first launched during her tenure as Hitit’s Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Ms. Karaağaç added: “My appointment as CEO in 2024 expanded my responsibilities, but it did not change my commitment to “Rackets Up”. This project creates a small – yet meaningful – shift in children’s lives. While some may go on to become professional athletes, our primary goal is to support the development of confident, healthy, and team-oriented individuals. At a time when children are increasingly distancing themselves from sports, we chose table tennis because it is accessible and has clear, measurable benefits for development. From the outset, our aim was not only to promote a healthy lifestyle but also to instil essential values such as discipline, consistency, and responsibility. My leadership approach is built on defining sustainable strategies, translating them into action, and ultimately transforming on-the-ground efforts into measurable outcomes.”

Global Expansion Ahead

The “Rackets Up” project, implemented through collaboration between the public sector, private sector, and relevant non-governmental organizations, is planned to expand internationally in the coming period with the support of Hitit’s global partners. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the project stands out with its sustainable and scalable structure.