Ahmet Tugcu

GM of Japan at Turkish Airlines

Tokyo, Japan

About

Over the past 13 years in aviation and hospitality, I’ve focused on building value across different cultures and driving results together with strong teams. Today, I lead Turkish Airlines operations in Japan, working on strengthening the connection between our countries through solid operations and sustainable growth. Japan: Since taking over in Tokyo, we’ve grown our weekly flights from 7 to 26 together with the team, reflecting our long-term commitment to the market. Thailand: As Director of Thailand (from 2017), we led the expansion from 11 to 28 weekly flights before the pandemic, and we maintained that momentum afterwards. Background: I combine a PhD in Industrial Engineering and an MBA in Finance to approach challenges with a practical, data-driven mindset.

Experience

  • Turkish Airlines (13 yrs 11 mos)
    • General Manager of Japan
      Oct 2022 - Present · 3 yrs 9 mos

    • Director of Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos
      Mar 2017 - Oct 2022 · 5 yrs 8 mos

      Leading all marketing, sales, accounting, operation and cargo activities in the region.

    • Manager of Sales and Marketing
      Jan 2016 - Mar 2017 · 1 yr 3 mos

      Developed and implemented sales and marketing strategy for services to achieve company targets

  • Board Member - EXCOM at Board of Airline Representative Thailand
    Jul 2020 - Sep 2022 · 2 yrs 3 mos

    The Board of Airline Representatives Business Association (BAR) was registered in 2004 as a non-profit business association under the Thai Government Business Registration Office, Department of Business Development. Its mission is to promote airline related operations, and to support and assist members in any matters affecting common interest, including negotiating with the government and private sector for the collective benefit of members.

  • Engineer at Nissan Motor Corporation
    Aug 2011 - Aug 2012 · 1 yr 1 mo

    Provided engineering support for production and maintenance activities to ensure maximum production