Istanbul, Türkiye
Mete Buyurgan completed his undergraduate education in Business Administration at Çukurova University. He furthered his studies with a master's in Human Resources Management from Marmara University. Additionally, he participated in a Sales Management program at New York University, enhancing his competencies in the business world. Mete began his professional career in 1994 at Başer & Colgate Palmolive, where he spent 12 years in various marketing and sales roles. Seeking to gain experience in different business processes, he joined Hobi Kozmetik A.Ş. as General Manager in 2005, leading the company's restructuring project. Under his leadership and with a key team, he successfully grew the company fourfold within four years, establishing one of Europe's largest personal care factories. This transformation laid the groundwork for the company's sale to Dabur, an Indian-based company. Mete then served as Regional CEO within Dabur International for approximately four and a half years, overseeing regions including Central Asia, North Africa, parts of the Middle East, Türkiye, and Iran. Mete Buyurgan also served as the Chairman of the Board of PLAT (Private Label Association Turkey) from 2005 to 2012. In 2013, Mete joined Yıldız Holding as Vice President of the Food Group, taking on management roles across various holding companies. After being appointed President of pladis Türkiye in 2016, he expanded his responsibilities to include leadership over pladis Türkiye, Central Asia, Romania, and the Balkans in 2018. In February 2020, he became CEO of Ülker, steering the company on its strategic growth journey. Mete has a strong vision to reinforce Ülker's leadership in categories such as gum, candy, baked goods, and chocolate. Under his leadership, significant initiatives have been undertaken in financial management, production, sales, marketing, human resources, supply chain, export, sustainability, and brand perception. He is a Board Member of The Business and Sustainable Development Council (BCSD Türkiye) As of April 6, 2025, Mete Buyurgan has been appointed as the Managing Director for the United Kingdom and Ireland at pladis. Mete has lived and worked in the US, Dubai and Türkiye. He is married and a father of two, is a former professional basketball player and enjoys traveling and engaging in sports activities.
Strategic Business Turnarounds | Revenue & Profit Growth | Transformational Leadership | Organizational Resilience Organizational Resilience | Market Expansions | Talent Development
Board Member @ Ülker 2020-2025 Board Member @ Horizon & Pasifik 2017-2025 Board Member @ Continental Confectionery Company 2015-Present Board Member @ Kellog Med 2014-2017 Board Member @ Nissin Yıldız 2014-2017
Brand: Hobby Cosmetics - Vatika