Istanbul, Istanbul, Türkiye
A results-driven and strategic HR leader with over 12 years of experience across diverse industries, specializing in talent management, organizational development, and operational HR. Skilled at aligning HR strategies with business objectives, I thrive in dynamic, multicultural environments, driving employee engagement, performance, and organizational growth. With a proven track record in managing HR operations across multiple regions—including Türkiye, the Baltics, and EEMEA—I am passionate about fostering inclusive, compliant workplaces that empower employees and support business transformation. Known for my ability to build strong partnerships with senior leaders, drive impactful HR initiatives, and lead change, I am committed to creating scalable solutions that enhance employee experiences and contribute to the long-term success of the organization.
Responsible for leading the human resources function across Türkiye and the Baltic countries (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania), overseeing all HR operations, strategic initiatives, and compliance activities in alignment with regional and global business objectives. Supporting organizational growth through the implementation of integrated HR strategies focused on talent acquisition, performance management, employee engagement, leadership development, and workforce planning. Ensuring alignment of HR policies and practices with local labor regulations while driving consistency and efficiency across markets. Acting as a key partner to senior leadership, contributing to a high-performance culture and supporting business transformation initiatives within a multi-country, cross-cultural environment.
Providing insights and practical advice based on a deep understanding of local employment law, supporting a rapidly changing business. Handling employee relations at all levels, partnering with the People Services team and escalating serious cases to the Global HRBP when necessary. Day to day coaching local managers and employees on HR processes, serving as a liaison to the functional HRBP. Providing country-specific expertise in compensation, benefits, immigration, and work authorization, ensuring effective, low-cost solutions. Working with Talent Acquisition to understand local talent availability and assists in closing on top talent while supporting local hiring laws and processes. Also, ensuring the business has updated, practical, and well-communicated HR policies to maintain compliance and align with business goals. Additionally, the role executes integration plans for mergers and acquisitions, ensuring legal compliance and supporting business objectives while working proactively within the company’s matrix structure to address human capital issues.
Served as the primary HR business partner to senior leaders across the East Mediterranean Area (EMA), covering Bulgaria, Egypt, Georgia, Israel, Lebanon, Romania, Türkiye, and Ukraine. Led the development and implementation of localized HR strategies and initiatives in alignment with corporate objectives, global policies, and local labor regulations. Accountable for delivering comprehensive HR services including talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, global mobility, compensation & benefits, and organizational development. Worked closely with global Centers of Excellence (CoEs) and regional leadership to ensure consistent and compliant execution of HR policies and practices across all countries within scope. Managed the annual compensation cycle, including salary reviews and promotion processes, in coordination with the CoE Rewards team and in accordance with global frameworks. Played a critical role in supporting business transformation, leadership development, and employee engagement within a dynamic, multicultural environment.
Led the HR function for designated business segments, focusing on talent management, organizational development, and employee engagement. Acted as a strategic business partner to senior leaders and managers, providing HR solutions aligned with organizational goals and ensuring effective execution of HR programs. Key responsibilities included overseeing recruitment, succession planning, learning & development, performance management, and compensation & benefits programs. Drove initiatives around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to enhance workplace culture and promote equal opportunities. Provided consulting services to business leaders, addressing key HR needs and implementing strategies that supported business growth and employee retention. Successfully managed a small HR team, supervising one direct report and four indirect reports, ensuring high-quality HR service delivery and maintaining a strong focus on performance outcomes.
Led the HR strategy and operations across the Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EEMEA) region, with a focus on aligning HR initiatives with business objectives and driving talent acquisition, organizational development, and employee engagement. Collaborated closely with business leaders to ensure HR strategies supported regional growth and operational needs. Key responsibilities included overseeing talent acquisition, succession planning, and workforce management, as well as designing and implementing training and development programs. Successfully launched the International Onboarding Days program for the EMEA region, held in Belgium, to standardize onboarding practices and build organizational capacity. Expanded the program by replicating the onboarding journey in Russia, ensuring a consistent experience for new and existing employees across regions. Managed HR operations for multiple countries, including Greece, Hungary, Serbia, Romania, South Africa, Egypt, Israel, and Dubai, ensuring alignment with local labor laws, corporate policies, and industry best practices.
Managed the full spectrum of operational HR services for both white- and blue-collar employees, totaling 450 employees, including recruitment, employee benefits, personnel administration, and compliance with local labor laws. Led HR operational processes, including master data updates, personnel absence control, leave management, and life & health insurance administration. Played a pivotal role in supporting Novartis Turkey’s "UP4Growth Project", a new learning, performance, and talent management system, by leading the Communication & Change strategy to ensure a smooth rollout of the system across the organization. This included stakeholder communication, training coordination, and monitoring system adoption to ensure successful implementation. Additionally, responsible for legal and personnel correspondence, ensuring compliance with Turkish labor laws and company policies while driving HR reporting and data accuracy across various HR functions.