Travelling, Art history, Contemporary art, Podcasting, Tennis, Culinary arts
GÖKSU ÇALI ESEN
MSc, EMBA
Doha
Summary
A determined, dynamic and proactive executive with business development and investment skills in fast-faced working environment, strong performance improvement skills, exceptional stakeholder management prowess, and an extensive project management expertise with over 15 years experience in the MENA region.
An accomplished multilingual communicator with first-class interpersonal, presentation and negotiation skills together with the ability to forge strong relationships with colleagues, clients and diverse stakeholders at all levels and across cultures.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate
6
6
Languages
Work History
Business Consultant
Warner Wonder Group
Https://www.warnerwondergroup.com
06.2020 - Current
- Advised in elite business network acting in core areas of Real Estate, Art and Cultural events.
- Identified key projects and services in order to generate new partnerships amongst personal network of companies and investors.
- Engaged in professional networking to maintain strong relationships with communications and investment professionals to drive new partnerships.
- Measured range of economic data across industries and regions.
- Created long lasting business relations between HNWI and companies across regions and sectors.
- Evaluated situations and delivered targeted solutions using various tools and resources
- Established and maintained relationships with key stakeholders for growth opportunities and successful partnerships
Country Manager
Alfardan Group
Doha - Istanbul
11.2016 - 01.2020
- Represented Alfardan Group in Turkey. As face of company, represented its interests and managed relationships with various stakeholders, including government agencies, clients, suppliers, and local partners.
- Acted as focal point between developer Alfardan, operator Six Senses Resorts & Spas during construction of project.
- Guided headquarters in analysis of new business development opportunities and investment proposals, with effective networking (not limited to Turkey) and required due diligence, reporting, monitoring skills for deal structuring.
- Identified, originated and closed new real estate acquisition deals matching with corporate expansion strategy including but not limited to partial acquisition of Mandarin Oriental, Bosporus in Istanbul in May 2020.
- Overseen and lead on due diligence processes and provided deal structuring advisory
- Overseen all aspects and angles of eco-conscious luxury resort development project based on sustainability values and public policy regulations.
- Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows to meet any daily demand.
- Expanded cross-functional organizational capacity by collaborating across departments on priorities, functions and common goals.
- Coordinated between several outsourced parties including consultants and contractors related to finance, legal, construction and operator.
- Communicated best practices among on-site and external personnel to align efforts and goals.
- Gathered information on competitor activities and market trends to enhance strategic decision-making.
Head of Turkey Liaison Office
CDC International, Doha, Qatar
Istanbul
03.2014 - 11.2016
- Established new investment arm and office in Turkey.
- Assessed new investment opportunities in real estate field and coordination and management of operations.
- Formulated investment and management strategies, planning and providing research and analysis.
- Represented company at sectoral institutions and organizations and coordination of business contacts.
- Provided detailed progress reports to stakeholders throughout project lifecycles, ensuring transparency regarding status and outcomes
Country Manager
United Development Company (UDC)
Istanbul
01.2012 - 10.2013
- Promoted to country manager developing new businesses from project entry to feasibility and divestment stage for United Development Company in Turkey.
- Established mutually beneficial networks of organizations, resulting in high value business proposals and projects.
- Key player in managing projects through full life-cycle from initiation to final roll-out, minimising risks & issues.
- Created a framework in which to structure, plan & develop policies for company objectives & business acquisition.
- Conducted field visits and interviews to prepare a revival plan for a subsidiary company undergoing liquidation.
- Successfully project managed the prestigious sale of a manufacturing subsidiary, Millenya Inc, for a total of $2m.
- Liaised with international subsidiaries, UDC departments & senior management, and reported directly to the CEO.
Senior Business Analyst
United Development Company (UDC)
Doha
01.2008 - 01.2012
- Handpicked as business analyst, initiating & evaluating multiple global projects for United Development Company.
- Key player in assessing international projects ranging from real estate to renewable energy, manufacturing to hospitality.
- Spearheaded and led the opening of a subsidiary UDC in Turkey, including office procurement & business strategy.
- Coordinated several major developments for the $15b large scale Pearl-Qatar Island project including hotels and restaurants.
- Initiated and helped implement a highly profitable buy-out project in the hospitality sector worth more than $10m.
- Key player in a detailed proposal for a $250m project for the acquisition of a prestigious international hotel brand.
- Commissioned third party involvement in major projects, including Ernst & Young, Deloitte, KPMG, JLL and Colliers.
- Researched emerging markets in renewable energy, manufacturing, hydrocarbons, real estate and hospitality.
- Featured in the economic section of a Turkish newspaper as a pioneering, influential businesswoman in Qatar
Project Coordinator | Trainee Project Consultant
Hewitt Associates (AON)
London
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Key consultant to internal management project teams and in knowledge management strategies and practices.
- Coordinated presentations for customers and project members detailing project scope, progress and results, keeping all entities well-informed of milestones and goals.
- Oversaw onboarding and mentorship, planned and executed meetings and developed project documentation.
- Kept projects on schedule by managing deadlines and adjusting workflows as needed.
- Collaborated in an organizational change and performance improvement exercise within Hewitt Associates Europe.
- Collaborated in projects based in Hewitt's European offices in London, Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris and Madrid.
- Supervised internal international engagement reports as a project consultant at Hewitt Associates London (2006).
Education
MBA - Management Science
Koç University
Istanbul, Turkey 07.2013 - 11.2014
Master of Science - International Business Management
Univesité Louis Pasteur (Strasbourg 1)
Strasbourg, France 09.2005 - 06.2007
Bachelor of Science - Economics & Management
Université Louis Pasteur (Strasbourg 1)
Strasbourg, France 09.2001 - 06.2005
High School Diploma -
Colegio Bautista De Caguas
Puerto Rico 08.1997 - 06.1998
High School Diploma -
Mehmet Emin Resulzade Anatolian High School
Ankara, Turkey 09.1991 - 06.1997
Skills
Vast senior-level business development expertise
Board-level stakeholder and client relationship skills
Proven proposal development & negotiation acumen
Strong leadership potential and team building skills ! Calm, confident & assured in pressurized situations
Outstanding communication & presentation prowess
Strategic Planning
Business planning
Contract Management
Shrewd & analytical decision-maker/problem-solver
Equal ability to work alone or as part of a team
Partnership Development
Business Acumen
Advanced networking skills
Certification
Financial Modelling, IRR Middle East in partnership with George Washington University
Interests
Timeline
Business Consultant
Warner Wonder Group
06.2020 - Current
Country Manager
Alfardan Group
11.2016 - 01.2020
Head of Turkey Liaison Office
CDC International, Doha, Qatar
03.2014 - 11.2016
MBA - Management Science
Koç University
07.2013 - 11.2014
Financial Modelling, IRR Middle East in partnership with George Washington University
02-2012
Country Manager
United Development Company (UDC)
01.2012 - 10.2013
Senior Business Analyst
United Development Company (UDC)
01.2008 - 01.2012
Master of Science - International Business Management
Univesité Louis Pasteur (Strasbourg 1)
09.2005 - 06.2007
Project Coordinator | Trainee Project Consultant
Hewitt Associates (AON)
01.2005 - 01.2007
Bachelor of Science - Economics & Management
Université Louis Pasteur (Strasbourg 1)
09.2001 - 06.2005
High School Diploma -
Colegio Bautista De Caguas
08.1997 - 06.1998
High School Diploma -
Mehmet Emin Resulzade Anatolian High School
09.1991 - 06.1997
Initiatives
- Partner at LivEvents, https://www.livevents.org/
- Guest programmer at Borusan Klasik Radio
- Strategic Partnership Advisor to World Climate Foundation, December 2022- February 2023