Sudi Özkan died on October 2, 2026, at the age of 87. The Turkish hotelier and casino operator expanded his business empire into 16 countries, with more than 15,000 employees. His death was confirmed by family sources.
Born in Adana in 1939, Özkan started with modest beginnings. Over decades, he built the Princess International Group into a major player in hospitality and gaming. The group operated 28 casinos and 16 high-end hotels across multiple continents.
Özkan’s name became synonymous with casino entertainment in Guyana. He owned the Princess Hotel and Casino in the country, which was the first casino in Guyana when it opened. The Princess Casino Guyana opened as part of the Princess Hotel Group, marking a significant milestone for the country’s gaming industry.
The expansion of Princess Group into international markets was swift. By 2020, the company had established multiple properties in Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. Özkan’s approach combined aggressive growth with a focus on luxury amenities. He often credited his success to a focus on customer experience and strategic acquisitions.
In a statement, the family said Özkan’s passing was due to cancer. They described him as a dedicated businessman who "built a global brand from the ground up." His death leaves a void in the hospitality and gaming sectors, especially in regions where his properties were considered leaders.
The Princess Hotel and Casino in Guyana was a landmark for the country’s emerging gaming industry. It was opened in the early 2000s and became a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The casino’s opening was seen as a sign of increasing foreign investment and economic growth in Guyana.
Özkan’s career was marked by his ability to adapt to changing markets. He expanded his holdings in countries with emerging tourism sectors. His business model included developing properties that combined hospitality with gaming and entertainment.
Despite his international reach, Özkan maintained close ties to Turkey. He often visited his hometown of Adana and invested in local development projects. His success was seen as a source of pride for many in Turkey’s business community.
His death was met with condolences from industry peers and business associations. One industry analyst noted that Özkan’s influence extended beyond his properties, as he helped shape the tourism and gaming landscape in several countries.
The Princess Group’s holdings in 16 countries included a mixture of luxury hotels and casinos. The company employed more than 15,000 people worldwide. Details about the group’s total assets were not disclosed, but its reach was extensive.
Özkan’s legacy will likely be remembered for his role in expanding casino entertainment in Guyana and beyond. His ability to build a business empire from modest roots set a standard for aspiring entrepreneurs in Turkey and overseas.
His death prompts questions about the future of the Princess Group. No official statement has announced plans for succession or changes in leadership. The company’s focus on international growth may continue, or it may face restructuring in the coming months.
The passing of Özkan underscores how a single vision can transform local opportunities into global enterprises. His journey from Adana to multiple continents demonstrates the potential for entrepreneurs to shape industries and national economies alike.
According to Dead-People.