Ahmet Kılıç was born on May 20, 1967, in the village of İnanca in the Görele district of Giresun, Turkey. At a young age, he migrated to Germany with his family, starting his education in Turkey and continuing it in Germany. Always striving for personal growth, Kılıç pursued various educational paths, gaining experience across different industries from an early age.
His professional journey began as a tram driver at Braunschweig Transport Co. He later worked as a gardener and night watchman for the Braunschweig City Services. His career took off when he entered the insurance industry, quickly expanding his business network and experience by securing contracts in insurance agencies and the healthcare sector.
A passionate footballer, Kılıç played at an amateur level before an unfortunate injury forced him to retire. However, his love for football remained strong, and he continued to support local clubs in his hometown of Giresun and take on roles in amateur teams in Germany.
Investments in the Healthcare Sector (1987-Present)
1987 marked a turning point for Kılıç as he recognized the critical role of hygiene, cleaning, and infection control. He entered the healthcare sector, driven by his belief that preventive care was more cost-effective and efficient than curative care. He began offering cleaning and disinfection services to hospitals, launching what would become a lifelong journey in healthcare.
From 1987 to 2006, Kılıç was the co-founder and general manager of Kilic & Meyer GbR and Kilic & Gentile GbR. Both companies operated in the cleaning and disinfection of hospitals and clinics. Alongside cleaning services, Kılıç expanded his operations to product manufacturing, significantly enhancing his presence in the industry.
One of his most notable achievements was the founding of ACTO GmbH in 1998, a time when the concept of disinfectants was still unfamiliar. ACTO quickly became a leading player in the markets for maintenance products, medical device disinfectants, and cleaning solutions. The brand’s name, “ACTO – Active Chemical Technology Organisation,” was chosen to highlight the importance of using the right active chemical components and emphasize the value of teamwork.
As Kılıç developed his company, he continuously innovated in process optimization, product development, and quality management. His efforts in these areas positioned ACTO as an industry leader. One of his standout products is Actomins®, a groundbreaking wound care solution featuring a patented formulation. This product gained global recognition for reducing infection risks and preventing limb loss caused by chronic wounds.
Kılıç’s vision wasn’t limited to Germany. He founded Abem Kimya in Turkey in 1999 with the goal of bringing German quality and standards to his homeland. In 2016, this company evolved into ACTO Pharma Hygiene Industry and Trade Inc., further cementing his leadership in both countries.
Kılıç’s impact extended beyond wound care. Between 2007 and 2009, he served as a consultant to the German Hospital Group in Turkey. His extensive expertise in the healthcare sector established him as a key figure, and his passion for developing new products and technologies allowed him to lead innovative projects within the industry.
In 2018, the ACTO brand entered a new phase with the development of cosmetic and personal care products. Already a leader in wound care and infection control, ACTO expanded its reach to the retail sector with high-quality creams, shampoos, and cleansers for both professional and personal use.
Leadership During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic posed a significant challenge to the global healthcare sector. During this period, the ACTO brand stood out for its production of disinfectants and its support for the healthcare industry. From the onset of the pandemic, as the importance of disinfection and infection control became more apparent worldwide, ACTO played a crucial role through its disinfectants and hygiene products on a global scale.
Throughout the pandemic, ACTO not only provided its products worldwide, including to China, but also supported healthcare workers, contributing to a safer and healthier path through this difficult time. While many industries slowed down, ACTO continued to operate with great dedication, ensuring its global workforce met the soaring demand for disinfectants and hygiene products. ACTO’s core mission during this period was to protect public health and meet the disinfection needs of healthcare institutions. This mission was achieved not only through its products but also through the sacrifices and commitment of its employees.
The COVID-19 outbreak also highlighted the critical importance of strong immune systems. In response, ACTO decided to begin producing dietary supplements after 2020. The company’s guiding belief was that by strengthening people’s immunity, they could be better equipped to fight diseases.
Leveraging its pandemic experience, ACTO aimed to contribute to public health not only through hygiene and disinfection but also with products that support immune health. Its dietary supplements, featuring vitamins, minerals, and immunity-boosting components, reflect a more holistic approach to health. By enhancing the body’s resilience and protecting against illnesses, ACTO strives to improve people’s quality of life while continuing to expand its product portfolio to serve public health.
Education and Personal Development
Despite his demanding career, Ahmet Kılıç remained committed to his education. He participated in numerous industry trainings, earning certificates and diplomas, and gained advanced knowledge in microbiology and medical technologies. Kılıç has also attended leadership and personal development seminars and sponsored numerous international congresses with ACTO.
Career Highlights
Despite migrating to Germany as a child, Ahmet Kılıç built an international success story with his companies in the healthcare and hygiene sectors. His entrepreneurial spirit, vision, and commitment to innovation helped him become a leading figure in the disinfection and wound care markets. Today, Kılıç continues to pursue his dream of contributing to global health through hard work and cutting-edge solutions, making ACTO a global brand.
To change language, please select your preferred language below