Emre Canoğlu

Managing Director | Packaging & Circular Economy | Driving Growth, Sustainability & Operational Excellence in Türkiye & Iran

Istanbul, Türkiye

About

I am an international business leader with extensive experience in leading operations, shaping strategy, and driving transformation across dynamic markets. As Managing Director at ALPLA, I lead business operations across Turkey and Iran, focusing on long-term value creation, operational excellence, and building strong customer partnerships. My career spans engineering, program management, and commercial leadership across global organizations, giving me a holistic perspective on how to connect strategy with execution. I have consistently worked at the intersection of operations, customer engagement, and innovation, helping organizations evolve in competitive and changing environments. Beyond my executive role, I actively contribute to the development of the packaging and sustainability ecosystem through board positions. I am passionate about advancing sustainable solutions, strengthening industry collaboration, and building high-performing teams that deliver long-term impact.

Experience

  • Sert Plastik Ambalaj Sanayicileri Derneği (4 yrs 7 mos)
    • Chairperson of the Board
      Nov 2025 - Present · 8 mos

      Leading the strategic direction of the association, shaping industry standards and representing the sector in key stakeholder dialogues. Driving sustainability, regulatory alignment, and long-term development of the plastic packaging industry.

    • Board Member
      Dec 2021 - Nov 2025 · 4 yrs

      Actively contributing to strategic decisions, industry advocacy, and development initiatives to strengthen the position of the plastic packaging sector.

  • Managing Director at ALPLA Group
    Sep 2018 - Present · 7 yrs 10 mos

    Leading the overall business across Turkey & Iran with full accountability for strategy, operations, and long-term growth. Driving transformation through operational excellence, customer partnerships, and sustainable packaging innovation. Building a high-performance organization aligned with global standards while strengthening market leadership.

  • Board Member at CEVKO
    Mar 2013 - Aug 2018 · 5 yrs 6 mos

    Contributing to national sustainability initiatives and shaping environmental strategies within the packaging ecosystem. Supporting collaboration between industry stakeholders to advance circular economy practices.

  • Sales Manager at Rexam
    Oct 2011 - Aug 2018 · 6 yrs 11 mos

    Led regional commercial strategy across Turkey & Middle East, driving key customer partnerships and strengthening market position. Directed cross-functional teams across sales, supply chain, and operations while shaping pricing strategy and customer engagement. Acted as a strategic interface between customers and internal functions to support growth and innovation.

  • Delphi (Full-time · 7 yrs 9 mos)
    • Account Manager Renault Cars
      Aug 2010 - Sep 2011 · 1 yr 2 mos

      Managed strategic customer relationship with Renault, leading commercial activities, new business opportunities, and long-term program alignment. Acted as a key interface between customer expectations and internal execution, ensuring sustainable business development.

    • Program Manager
      Aug 2007 - Jul 2010 · 3 yrs

      Directed cross-functional program execution for key automotive projects, ensuring alignment across engineering, manufacturing, and commercial objectives. Delivered complex programs while maintaining strong stakeholder alignment and customer satisfaction.

    • Launch Manager Volvo V70/XC70
      Jan 2007 - Jul 2007 · 7 mos

      Led critical launch phase coordination, ensuring seamless communication and rapid issue resolution to support successful product introductions.