Burcu Cengiz
Istanbul
Summary
Senior Communications Specialist with 5 years of experience in corporate communications, media relations, executive messaging, and crisis communications across large-scale infrastructure and conglomerate environments. Skilled in developing PR strategies, managing high-profile stakeholder engagement, coordinating agency partners, and delivering consistent messaging across internal and external channels. Experienced in CSR communications and international media interaction.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Senior Communications Specialist
Limak Group of Companies
Istanbul
2023.11 - 2026.02
- Develop and execute PR and corporate communications strategies aligned with group-wide objectives.
- Monitor national media coverage, identifying reputational risks and communication opportunities.
- Support communications for major corporate announcements, strengthening visibility and stakeholder engagement.
- Plan and deliver press events, conferences, and executive-level meetings to enhance corporate reputation.
- Draft executive speeches and messaging frameworks ensuring consistency across communication channels.
- Contribute to crisis communications efforts through timely response and issue management.
- Support Limak Foundation CSR initiatives, including Global Engineer Girls and Limak Philharmonic Orchestra projects.
- Coordinate across internal teams, agencies, media outlets, and external stakeholders.
Marketing & Business Development Executive
Qinesis – The Business Growth Company
2023.06 - 2024.02
- Designed and implemented strategic marketing plans to increase brand awareness and business growth.
- Identified new business opportunities through market research and client engagement.
- Managed multi-channel digital marketing campaigns aligned with corporate objectives.
- Developed performance reports, social media calendars, and client-facing marketing insights.
Corporate Communications Specialist
1915 Çanakkale Bridge & Motorway Project
Çanakkale
2021.03 - 2023.06
- Drafted press releases, corporate publications, and internal communications supporting brand positioning.
- Served as a key contact point for domestic and international media, sponsors, and government authorities.
- Drafted executive speeches in Turkish and English, ensuring alignment with corporate messaging.
- Took an active role in organizing high-profile ceremonies and international recognition events such as the March 2022 Project Opening Ceremony, UNECE PPP Awards (Athens, 2023), IRF Global Awards (UAE, 2021; USA, 2022)
- Coordinated stakeholder site visits involving lenders, consultants, universities, and public institutions.
- Managed media relations and digital communications while coordinating with agencies to ensure consistent messaging across platforms.
Media Relations Intern
Koç Holding A.Ş.
Istanbul
2020.03 - 2020.08
- Supported PR strategy development and agency communications.
- Compiled daily media monitoring and coverage reports, enhancing awareness of media presence for Koç Holding and group companies.
- Escalated emerging reputational issues to relevant internal stakeholders.
Education
BA - Psychology & Sociology (Double Major)
2015.01 - 2021.01
- Full Merit Scholarship (Anatolian Scholarship Program)
- Vehbi Koç Honor Award (Spring 2019)
Skills
- Corporate Communications
- Media Relations
- Executive Speechwriting (TR/EN)
- Crisis Communications
- PR Strategy
- Press Events & Conferences
- Stakeholder Engagement
- CSR Communications
- Agency Coordination
- Content Development
- Reputation Management
LANGUAGES
Turkish — Native
English — C1 Advanced
Russian — Basic
Timeline
Senior Communications Specialist - Limak Group of Companies
2023.11 - 2026.02
Marketing & Business Development Executive - Qinesis – The Business Growth Company
2023.06 - 2024.02
Corporate Communications Specialist - 1915 Çanakkale Bridge & Motorway Project
2021.03 - 2023.06
Media Relations Intern - Koç Holding A.Ş.
2020.03 - 2020.08
Koç University - BA, Psychology & Sociology (Double Major)
2015.01 - 2021.01