Ahmet Karasakal
Istanbul
Summary
Results-oriented professional known for strategic leadership and strong P&L management. Successfully penetrated untapped markets and optimized cross-selling strategies, contributing to significant revenue and profit growth.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sales Director, Food Service
Cargill
Istanbul
03.2025 - Current
- Directed a team of 26 professionals, including 6 direct reports, in regional sales management.
- Developed and executed innovative distribution channels, successfully penetrating untapped markets.
- Partnered with cross-functional teams to optimize cross-selling product offerings, pricing strategies, resulting in enhanced profitability.
Go To Market Leader, Food Service
Cargill
Istanbul
06.2023 - 02.2025
- Drove regional revenue growth of $95 million in FY24 through management of over 100 distributors with direct accounts.
- Led the development and coordination of account planning for artisanal bakery, HOERCA and QSR accounts and distributors.
- Formulated and executed value volume growth strategies across the food service portfolio to capitalize on opportunities.
- Assisted in delivering a structured overview of food service channels to identify manageable market opportunities through customer segmentation.
- Helped coordinate food service projects with marketing, R&D, and business development teams to communicate campaign objectives effectively.
Product Line Manager
Cargill
Turkey
07.2020 - 05.2023
- Achieved substantial revenue growth in oils and fats operations for Middle East and Africa through strategic leadership and P&L management.
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive growth strategy, analyzing product portfolio profitability to inform decision-making.
- Drove pricing strategy initiatives that maximized contribution margins for food industrial and food service sectors.
Key Account Manager
Cargill
Istanbul, Turkey
10.2016 - 06.2020
- Directed management of a portfolio comprising 10 accounts with $50 million in sales across Turkey, Israel, and Egypt.
- Oversaw key accounts such as PepsiCo, Unilever, Nestle, McDonald's, Pladis, and Eti in the fats and oils business from 2018 to 2020, and in cacao and chocolate texturizing systems from 2016 to 2018.
- Drove a $20 million sales increase by establishing strategic goals and evaluating performance metrics.
Sales Account Manager
Kerry Ingredients
Istanbul, Turkey
04.2015 - 09.2016
- Achieved over $5 million in sales of functional ingredients across meat, dairy, and culinary sectors, surpassing sales targets by 28%.
- Fostered strong customer relationships through effective communication and prompt responses, leading to increased client loyalty and a broader customer base.
Regional Sales Manager
Wiberg GMBH
Istanbul, Turkey
06.2009 - 03.2015
- Achieved a 300% revenue increase through effective management of supplier relationships and negotiation oversight.
- Developed and executed a compensation plan that supported area sales goals while managing a team of three direct reports.
- Strengthened sales performance by establishing key relationships with major accounts and decision-makers in the territory.
Production Supervisor
Elit Cikolata
Istanbul, Turkey
07.2008 - 10.2009
Education
MBA - Marketing
Yeditepe University
Istanbul02-2017
Bachelor's Degree - Food Engineering
Hacettepe University
Ankara, Turkey06-2007
Skills
- Strategic Pricing
- People Management
- P&L Ownership
- Business Development
- Revenue & Profit Growth
Accomplishments
Well above EBIT target 21% in FY25
Well above EBIT target 36% in FY24
Well above EBIT target 280% in FY23
Well above EBIT target 133% in FY22
Well above EBIT target 96% in FY21
Increased CM 92% vs. budget in FY20
Increased CM 43% vs. budget in FY19
Certification
- Structured Thinking and Strategic Communication - K2C - Apr 2026
- Leading People - PDR - Feb 2023
- Negotiating with Backbone - Oct 2019
- Building Strong Leadership - Aug 2018
- Sales Effectiveness - Richardson - Apr 2017
- Negotiation Skills - Scotwork - Dec 2016
Languages
English
Full Professional
Turkish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Sales Director, Food Service
Cargill
03.2025 - Current
Go To Market Leader, Food Service
Cargill
06.2023 - 02.2025
Product Line Manager
Cargill
07.2020 - 05.2023
Key Account Manager
Cargill
10.2016 - 06.2020
Sales Account Manager
Kerry Ingredients
04.2015 - 09.2016
Regional Sales Manager
Wiberg GMBH
06.2009 - 03.2015
Production Supervisor
Elit Cikolata
07.2008 - 10.2009
MBA - Marketing
Yeditepe University
Bachelor's Degree - Food Engineering
Hacettepe University