Istanbul, Istanbul, Türkiye
Quality and R&D executive with over 23 years of cross-industry experience, including more than 10 years in leadership roles within multinational corporations. Skilled in operational excellence, quality systems, and cross-functional team management. Adept at driving strategic transformation, launching new products, and leading Multi-site quality operations across EMEA. Recognized for driving measurable improvements in key performance indicators and spearheading the implementation of Lean Six Sigma methodologies to achieve long-term operational excellence. A customer-focused, collaborative team player with exceptional organizational and communication skills, a positive mindset, and a proactive, can-do attitude. Thrives in multicultural environments. Deeply passionate about empowering and developing individuals and teams. Committed to coaching and mentoring future leaders while maintaining a strong focus on continuous self-improvement.
Member of the BU Leadership Team (Board of Directors). Member of the new product launch gate decision-making team (Gate Keepers Team) Project Management team member around the globe including Microsoft (data centers), Amazon (data centers), Alliander, Stedin, Nexel, Servia, Shell, S4, Hans Folsgaard, Argos, Petrotec, Crossriver. Leading the full scope of quality operations across manufacturing sites located in Turkey, the Netherlands, and the Republic of South Africa. Directly managing a team of four site Quality Managers and overseeing a broader organization of 100+ quality professionals, including engineers and technicians. Key responsibilities include driving strategic quality objectives and functional KPIs, ensuring flawless new product introductions, managing customer satisfaction and complaint resolution, reducing Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ), and building functional capability through talent development and competency enhancement. Additionally accountable for conducting operational excellence audits and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across all sites.
Senior Quality Manager (Mar 2017 – Oct 2018) Managed all quality operations with a team of 5 engineers and 11 technicians. Key responsibilities: • Handling customer complaints and leading audits • Driving quality improvement and cost reduction initiatives • Managing KPIs, lab testing, and supplier audits • Supporting EMEA-wide quality and process improvement projects • Closely cooperating with R&D, production, and project teams Also served as a core member of a high-level international investment project. Although the project was not implemented, the experience strengthened my strategic leadership and global coordination skills. Senior R&D Manager (Oct 2018 – Jun 2023) Promoted to lead and restructure the R&D department in line with company strategy. The team expanded from 2 to 11 members and gained official R&D Center status in 2018. Key responsibilities: • Leading new product development and innovation projects • Managing 4M changes in the plant • Collaborating with customers and global R&D teams • Building cooperation with universities and internal departments • Overseeing budgeting and talent development • Coordinating with Nitto Japan to align R&D efforts with global strategy
Led the Quality Department consisting of three key functions: Quality Control, Customer Relations, and New Product Introduction, managing a team of 51 professionals including 12 engineers and 3 supervisors. Key Responsibilities & Achievements: • Directed all quality operations across production and logistics to ensure compliance with customer requirements and internal standards, • Oversaw customer relationship management, including complaint handling, audits, visits, and key account interactions, • Managed new product introduction and development activities in alignment with project timelines and customer expectations, • Tracked and reported departmental KPIs, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and driving continuous improvement, • Represented the company during customer audits and site visits, • Reduced Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) through structured improvement initiatives, • Supported production and process development teams to enhance efficiency and reduce waste, • Delivered technical and leadership training via ASAŞ Academy, • Served an advisory role to senior management on quality and operational matters, • Took over responsibility for maintaining ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 (ISO/TS 16949) quality management systems from 2017 onward,
Led quality operations across two production sites: an aluminum injection die casting plant and a machining facility, with a combined workforce of 550 employees operating in 3 shifts. All customers were international, primarily from Europe and the U.S., with 100% of production dedicated to exports. Managed a cross-functional quality team of 18, including two Assistant Quality Managers, engineers, and technicians. Key Responsibilities & Achievements: • Drove organizational transformation by implementing a corporate culture focused on structure, accountability, and continuous improvement • Led all quality functions: incoming inspection, in-process control, final inspection, lab testing, and reporting • Provided strategic support during customer audits and new product launches for global accounts • Ensured structured, systematic problem-solving to meet international customer expectations • Maintained and enhanced IATF 16949 quality management systems • Achieved low DPPM levels while simultaneously reducing scrap rates and quality-related costs • Improved customer response times and overall satisfaction through enhanced communication and technical support • Led team development initiatives, mentoring both white- and blue-collar staff to build capability and engagement • Promoted lean manufacturing through 5S, Kaizen, continuous improvement, and Six Sigma practices • Audited and supported suppliers to elevate quality standards and supply chain performance • Actively contributed to cross-functional management initiatives aimed at process efficiency and product excellence