There is one person in Hakan Ozyon’s life who continues to serve as his greatest inspiration each and every day: his father. “Growing up as an orphan, he faced numerous challenges and hardships,” he tells The CEO Magazine.

“Despite these obstacles, he instilled in me the values of resilience, compassion and the importance of giving back to those in need. His story of overcoming adversity motivated me to build Hejaz Financial Services, not just as a successful business, but as a means to create a lasting positive impact.”

Underpinning his business journey has been a singular goal: to generate sufficient funds and resources to open an orphanage.

“From a young age, I was driven by the desire to help those who, like my father, lacked the support and opportunities that many of us take for granted,” explains Ozyon, who is a finalist for CEO of the Year Banking, Financial Services & Insurance at the 2024 Executive of the Year Awards.

“This initiative is not just about charity; it’s about honoring my father’s legacy and making a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children.

“It drives me every day to lead with purpose, integrity and a deep commitment to making the world a better place for those who need it most.”

Humble beginnings

A cornerstone of Hejaz Financial Services’ entire ethos, this dedication to philanthropy is evident in myriad ways throughout the company.

“In my role as CEO, I strive to lead with the same determination and compassion that my father exhibited,” he reveals. “I ensure that our corporate philanthropy efforts are aligned with this vision, dedicating resources and support to causes that uplift and empower disadvantaged communities.”

Ozyon regularly participates in forums and engages with industry peers on this subject, stressing that by integrating social impact into Hejaz Financial Services’ business strategy and exhibiting tangible results within this area, it may serve as a catalyst for other organizations and stakeholders to also recognize the immense power of corporate patronage.

From humble beginnings, over the past 10 years Melbourne-based Hejaz Financial Services – which Ozyon co-founded with Muzzammil Dhedhy in 2014 as Australia’s first Sharia-compliant financial group – has garnered an impressive reputation as an industry leader, not just within the country, but also globally.

“It is truly remarkable how a company that began its journey in a modest garage in Broadmeadows has evolved into a formidable competitor on the international stage, now challenging industry giants such as HSBC and BlackRock for leadership within the Islamic financial sector,” enthuses Ozyon, who boasts nearly three decades of experience within the sector.

“This inspiring transformation is a testament to a clear vision, unwavering perseverance and a commitment to innovation. With a deep understanding of consumer needs and a proactive approach to anticipating market trends, Hejaz has embraced change as an opportunity for growth.”

Collaboration and leadership

Filling a vital and untapped gap within the market, Hejaz Financial Services actively engages with the Australian Islamic population in order to identify issues and formulate specific solutions.

“Building strong alliances with reputable organizations within and outside the Islamic community helps us extend our reach and credibility,” Ozyon explains.

“By collaborating with educational institutions, religious organizations and other financial entities, we enhance our brand visibility and reinforce our commitment to serving the community’s best interests.”

In addition, providing reference points and insights via blog posts and social media updates demonstrates the company’s specialist knowledge, reinforcing its trustworthiness and positioning itself as a thought leader in the Islamic finance space through consistent and valuable content marketing.

As a leader who believes in the importance of setting the standard when it comes to the behavior of his team, Ozyon prioritizes an approach that sees effective communication as the best way to avoid conflict and tackle challenges.

“An exceptional leader embodies a blend of vision, integrity and empathy,” he reflects. “Empathy allows leaders to connect with their team on a personal level, understanding their needs and motivations, and promoting a supportive and inclusive environment.”

Indeed, by creating the type of workplace where employees feel excited to contribute their ideas and push traditional boundaries, Ozyon guarantees an organization that has its finger on the pulse.

“Inclusiveness fuels collaboration, empowers diverse voices and drives the kind of creative problem-solving that leads to breakthrough results,” he emphasizes.

“By leveraging cutting-edge technology, investing in research and development, and fostering a culture of creativity, Hejaz not only adapts to the evolving industry but also leads it.”