Gilles Denis Chamah

SALES MANAGEMENT-COACHING

Istanbul, Türkiye

About

As a French citizen born in Paris in 1970, I currently reside in Istanbul, Turkey. My 31 years of extensive experience in the retail and FMCG industries includes over a decade of specialized focus in the pet sector, specifically the cat litter business. Throughout my career, I have successfully managed both brand and private label products, as well as bulk bentonite sales for pet distributors across Europe, the Middle East, and Far East Asia. For the past 11 years, I have actively participated in major international pet exhibitions, such as Interzoo, Zoomark, Anido, UAE Pet Fair, and Asia Pet Fair, to stay informed about industry trends and advancements. Additionally, I have provided comprehensive training to sales teams on effective key account management strategies. A visionary and results-oriented senior manager with extensive experience in driving sales growth and optimizing purchasing strategies. Proven ability to streamline operations, implement innovative strategies for organic and acquisitive growth, and consistently enhance shareholder value. A motivational leader adept at building high-performing teams to achieve ambitious company objectives. Possesses exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, fostering strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and internal stakeholders. An analytical and detail-oriented thinker, skilled at identifying and implementing process improvements to maximize efficiency and minimize costs in fast-paced environments.

Experience

  • International Sales Manager at Wyoben Pet
    Jun 2025 - Present · 1 yr 1 mo

    Expanding export sales of Wyoben Pet Sodium cat litter division worldwide.

  • Head of Sales at Karakaya Bentonite Inc.
    Apr 2021 - Apr 2025 · 4 yrs 1 mo

    Based in Istanbul, I was responsible for the worldwide export operations,also internal distribution of the cat litter brand “Sandy/Cats Grey”/Private label business and Bulk big bag sales of sodium bentonite.This undertaking was the company's core start-up project, which involved overseeing the entire process from the drilling of raw materials to the establishment of the sodium bentonite cat litter business. My responsibilities included the oversight of domestic operations, where a sales manager reported directly to me and managed a network of four key distributors throughout Turkey. Within four years, the company achieved significant expansion, successfully launching its sodium brands in over 1,000 pet stores and veterinary clinics. Additionally, the company established a global distribution network spanning 20 countries, solidifying its presence in the international market. The European market experienced a substantial increase in sales volume, primarily driven by large-volume purchases and bulk orders from major sodium litter buyers located in key European countries, including Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, and Spain.

  • Export Director at TOLSA SA
    Apr 2014 - Apr 2021 · 7 yrs 1 mo

    Based in Madrid and Istanbul, I was responsible for the export operations of the "Sanicat" brand, encompassing the management of distributor networks in key markets such as France, Greece, Bulgaria, Lebanon, Israel, UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Taiwan, Philippines, China, Japan, Vietnam, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, and Mauritius. My role involved direct engagement and regular on-site visits to these distributors to foster strong partnerships and drive sales. Additionally, I managed a 13k tons/year sales, overseeing an annual turnover of approximately 3M euro and leading a team of three sales executives, reporting directly to the VP of Sales.

  • Chief Operating Officer at Algoritma Sağlık Hizmetleri A.Ş.KOÇ HOLDİNG
    Apr 2008 - Apr 2014 · 6 yrs 1 mo

    Report directly to Koc Holding Board of Management, Work closely with the medical shareholders to create an effective business. Deal with multinational medical agreements, and agreements with distributors to build a reputable business. Manage and monitor National Sales and Marketing Executives. Direct purchase operations and staff, supervising procurement of 60% ($M) of total company purchases.

  • Key Account Manager at Sütaş Group
    Apr 2005 - Apr 2008 · 3 yrs 1 mo

    Responsible from large group accounts, Annual Turnover : 30 mTL, Budget : 2,4 mTL, Develop and implement channel and account strategies in line for the company goals, Develop, manage and coordinate account specific and national activities to achieve quarterly net sales targets Key Account Manager responsible for Flagship accounts representing 40% of the company's retail turnover, from 2005 to 2008 increasing market share of different product categories around 5% each year, and turnover growth of 20% average each year. Managing at Sütaş, around 15M EU turnover and 1,5M EU marketing budget per year. Identify gaps/growth opportunities for all brands, by account and design appropriate actions / promotions, Monitor direct distribution organization in terms of product availability, drop size, and outlet performance, Manage, monitored and Report sales promotion rebates and customer sales allowances, Manage, monitor and Report financials of sales operations in terms of re-conciliation, payments, invoicing. Monitor main competitor to develop tactical or strategic sales mechanics through field observations and Nielsen analysis, Support and feed Group Sales Manager