Selin Esencan Baykal

Chief Human Resources Officer | Driving People Strategy

Istanbul, Istanbul, Türkiye

About

I am a committed People & Culture Leader with a comprehensive understanding of HR fundamentals, agile working, international expansion and organizational & cultural transformation. Passionate about change, iteration and sustainable personal development, I believe I have successfully navigated through different environments for over 18 years; building key capabilities, leading teams across different geographies, and launching key people initiatives. I am a certified Erickson Coach.

Experience

  • Senior Vice President Human Resources at invent.ai
    May 2026 - Present · 2 mos

  • Chief Human Resources Officer at Bilyoner
    Apr 2024 - Apr 2025 · 1 yr 1 mo

    Develop and execute comprehensive HR strategies aligned with overall business goals, fostering organizational growth and cultural transformation. Lead talent acquisition, development, and retention strategies to build high-performing, future-ready teams. Oversee workforce planning, succession management, and leadership development initiatives. Lead organizational design and performance management systems to retain top Tech Talent. Establish Rewards strategy to attract and partner with C-suite executives to align human capital initiatives with strategic business objectives. Ensure compliance with labor laws, ethical practices, and governance standards across the organization. Manage HR budget, vendor relationships, and implement HRIS systems to improve operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making. Advise the board and executive team on human capital risks, workforce trends, and emerging labor market dynamics. Champion employee engagement and well-being initiatives to strengthen employer brand and retention.

  • Head of People n11 (@Getir) at n11.com
    Apr 2022 - May 2024 · 2 yrs 2 mos

    Member of executive leadership team. Develop and execute HR strategies aligned with overall business goals, fostering organizational growth and cultural transformation. Lead talent acquisition, development, and retention strategies. Oversee workforce planning, succession management, and leadership development initiatives across all business units. Establish performance management and rewards systems to support the People Agenda. Strategize restructuring and execute downsizing to boost organizational efficiency. Partner with C-suite executives to align on and execute people strategies. Manage HR budget and HRIS systems to improve operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making. Champion employee engagement and well-being initiatives to strengthen employer brand and retention.

  • Getir (1 yr 2 mos)
    • People Director, International Expansion
      Jul 2021 - Apr 2022 · 10 mos

    • Director of Expansion
      Mar 2021 - Mar 2022 · 1 yr 1 mo

      Provide people leadership and partnership to the Expansion Team for new country launches and integrations in EU Markets. Establish and execute all People Processes in respective EU countries; set the fundamentals. Identify and build key capabilities in the new markets and co-lead organizational design efforts. Lead US pre-launch activities.

    • People Director, Central Functions
      Mar 2021 - May 2021 · 3 mos

  • The Coca-Cola Company (2 yrs 4 mos)
    • Regional HR Strategic Business Partner
      Dec 2018 - Mar 2021 · 2 yrs 4 mos

    • Human Resources Business Partner
      Dec 2018 - Mar 2021 · 2 yrs 4 mos

      Provide HR leadership and partnership for CCAR (Central Asia & Caucasus Region) Franchise, Strategy, Finance and Legal Functions, representing 50% of TCCA Business Unit. Develop comprehensive people strategies to support business initiatives and continued expansion of organizational capability. Drive Leadership Capability Framework to expand capability of Finance and Franchise Leadership roles. Drive Agile & Change Leadership efforts to establish a networked organization. Lead organizational design and restructure efforts in line with growth agenda of the Company. Partner with key stakeholders to lead 'Pulse' activities to further shape the culture. Co-Lead Company-wide HR Strategic Initiatives.