Istanbul, Türkiye
Demet Ikiler was appointed WPP Country Chairperson – Turkey, in 2013. Having joined WPP in 2000 to launch Mindshare, she progressed to CEO of GroupM Turkey and then promoted to CEO of GroupM EMEA, one of the world’s largest regions across GroupM’s agencies including 27 markets, a position she currently holds. A powerhouse of the Turkish communications scene collaborating with leading local and global brands. Demet highly values sustainability and leads the group’s ‘zero-waste’ initiative throughout 25 WPP agencies in Turkey, employing about 1500 professionals generating revenues of $ 350 million. Considered the undisputed doyenne of the sector, Demet has been listed in the top 10 most powerful female CEO’s in Turkey for the last 5 years, amongst numerous other similar accolades. A fearless advocate of gender equality, Demet has represented WPP at the Global Agenda Council of Women’s Empowerment at the World Economic Forum. Furthermore, a keen supporter of women’s leadership issues, she is a member of Turkey’s Gender Equality Projects Leadership Group and sits on the board of UN Global Compact Turkey. In 2019 Demet made the list of the HERoes Global Top 100 Women Role Models, which recognises championing diversity and inclusion in business. She is also listed in the "Women to Watch- Global Leader" list in Turkey published by Advertising Age and Mediacat. Demet exudes style and is never knowingly underdressed. If a job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing elegantly. A passionate health enthusiast and keen sportswoman. Balancing all her other commitments, Demet is a mother, family person and avowed animal lover.