Yavuzhan Gel

Exploring AI’s creative limits.

Istanbul, Türkiye

About

Hello! I'm Yavuzhan Gel. I’ve spent about twenty years now navigating the world of storytelling and creative strategy. I’m a father and an optimist by nature, which probably explains why I still get excited about a blank page. Most of my career has been spent in the trenches at places like McCann, Ogilvy, and Leo Burnett. Along the way, I’ve managed to pick up over 200 awards from festivals like Cannes Lions and the New York Festivals. Honestly, being one of the most awarded creatives in Turkey is a nice bit of trivia, but the real win has always been seeing an idea actually move the needle for a brand. I’ve worked on pretty much everything. Whether it’s cars (Hyundai, Ford), chocolate (Tadelle, Oreo), or tech (Intel, Oppo), the challenge is always the same: how do we make people actually care? I’ve done that for dozens of names, from local favorites like Sütaş to global giants like KFC and Nivea. It’s been a wild run (and a lot of late nights). My background is a bit of a mix, too. I did my business degree at Middle East Technical University and followed it up with a Master's in communication at Galatasaray University. I think that blend of business logic and creative intuition is what keeps my work grounded. Anyway, I'm always up for a chat about where creativity is headed next. You can find me over on LinkedIn if you want to connect.

Experience

  • AI Strategy & Creative Innovation Director at Havas İstanbul
    Aug 2025 - Present · 11 mos

    Overseeing the implementation and alignment of artificial intelligence with creative workflows across the HAVAS organization.

  • Co-Founder at Harman / Creative Intelligence Lab
    Jun 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 1 mo

    We develop creative connections between humans and brands by blending creativy with AI-assisted insights and hybrid-intelligence.

  • Executive Creative Director at YW
    Dec 2019 - Nov 2022 · 3 yrs

    The executive creative director at YW, oversees and implements all creative operations within the company, including content and design teams, to improve and maintain the image of the client, and to oversee and implement campaigns based on client requirements.

  • Creative Director at Havas İstanbul
    Jan 2018 - Dec 2019 · 2 yrs

    Acting as the Creative Director at Havas which provides clients with a full range of integrated tools and services across multidimensional platforms by designing and implementing concepts, guidelines and strategies in various creative projects and overseeing them to completion while collaborating with account executives and motivating teams of art directors, illustrators, copywriters etc. to help them use their talents effectively. Developed ideas for Hyundai, Finish, Vanish, Veet, Durex, Oppo, Siemens, Profilo, Garenta, Tadelle, Pernigotti, Aygaz, Anadolu Hayat Emeklilik, KoçAilem.

  • Creative Director at Happy People Project
    Sep 2015 - Aug 2017 · 2 yrs

    Acting as the Creative Director at Happy People Project which is a well-known advertising agency by leading team of designers, copywriters, guiding the advertising and promotional efforts that bring client products and services to market with inspired and fresh ideas. Developed ideas for Sütaş, Ziraat, Intel, Yataş, Boyner, Tesco Kipa, Tchibo, Turkish Cargo, Lassa, Intema, Koroplast, Dalin, Egos, Detan etc.