Open To Work
Can Yasavul
İstanbul,Uskudar
Summary
Commercial & Trade Finance Leader | Pharma, FMCG, OTC | $300M+ Transactions | Multi-Market Growth (EMEA, CIS, US)
15+ years of experience driving revenue growth, cross-border expansion, and structured trade finance across pharma, OTC, FMCG, and commodities. Led $300M+ transactions, optimizing working capital through LC, Murabaha, and tailored trade finance solutions. Proven in scaling multi-market GTM strategies, securing retail penetration, and building high-value global partnerships. Strong track record in private label development, distributor networks, and omni-channel growth.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales Manager
Axendo
Istanbul, Dubai
07.2024 - 07.2025
- Facilitated cross-border trade finance deals averaging $3 million per transaction to support construction, pharmaceutical, food, agriculture, and industrial sectors.
- Streamlined working capital management and enhanced international trade flows within Dubai-based commodity trading networks.
- Spearheaded initiatives resulting in 18% growth in client acquisition, directly impacting monthly P&L targets exceeding $25M in trade volume.
Business Unit Manager
ATS Advanced Technology Supplies Tic. A.Ş.
Istanbul, Turkey
06.2023 - 06.2024
- Delivered €30M revenue in pharmaceuticals, functional foods, and dietary ingredients.
- Managed private-label gummy (Top Gum) and DSM vegan omega-3 projects.
- Increased marketing ROI by 12% and improved team sales performance by 11% within 12 months; generated high-value leads via industry fairs.
Export Sales Manager
Halavet Gıda
Istanbul, Turkey
08.2022 - 06.2023
- Directed management of $60M international B2B sales portfolio for gelatin and collagen products across nutraceutical and cosmetic sectors.
- Developed pricing strategies to optimize profitability and expand gross margins in global markets.
- Cultivated strategic partnerships to enhance revenue growth and support market expansion.
Foreign Trade & Business Development Manager
Santefor
Istanbul, Turkey
01.2021 - 08.2022
- Drove market expansion by developing new opportunities and executing budget strategies, achieving entry into the UAE market within 8 months.
- Represented the company at international fairs, generating $1M in qualified pipeline.
- Cultivated high-level client and vendor relationships, improving supplier terms by 12%.
OTC Export Sales & Business Development Manager
Kervan Gıda
Istanbul, Turkey
08.2019 - 12.2021
- Oversaw strategic development of global OTC and functional confectionery portfolio, managing $30M export initiatives across multiple regions including UK, USA, Germany, MENA, Russia, and Turkey.
- Drove export volume growth exceeding 30% through strategic distributor partnerships and market entry initiatives.
- Negotiated and secured retail shelf space for Bony Vita (BIM A101 SOK) and Qlife (Watsons, Migros) to drive sales growth.
- Directed comprehensive private label OTC projects from concept through commercialization, ensuring successful market entry of five SKUs.
Regional Manager
Bayer
Istanbul, Turkey
01.2013 - 04.2019
- Led a team of 10 representatives in executing RX and OTC sales initiatives across Istanbul, driving product visibility and customer engagement.
- Assisted in managing portfolios across dermatology, gastroenterology, internal medicine, gynecology, family medicine, and pharmacy sectors. Supported the administration of products including Travocort, Rennie Duo, Advantan, Bepanthol, and Redoxon. Collaborated with healthcare teams to ensure effective portfolio management.
- Conducted comprehensive coaching and performance evaluations for key opinion leaders to strengthen sales and marketing collaboration.
Brand Manager
Bayer
Istanbul, Turkey
06.2016 - 06.2018
- Oversaw Bayer Consumer Health dermatology portfolio, including Advantan, Travocort, Travogen, and Bepanthol products.
- Designed and implemented integrated marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility and drive sales.
- Analyzed market dynamics and competitor positioning to identify growth opportunities, contributing to a 12% increase in brand performance.
Regional Manager / Field Force Manager / Sales Trainer / Trade Manager
Intendis (Bayer)
Istanbul, Turkey
01.2004 - 01.2013
- Led 55 representatives + 5 area managers; KOL visits, coaching, performance monitoring.
- Managed order-taking from warehouses and monthly sales action plans.
- Trained 100+ representatives & brand managers on sales techniques and field management.
Sales Representative
Schering AG
Kayseri, Turkey
01.2003 - 01.2004
- Cultivated relationships with healthcare professionals to effectively promote gynecology, dermatology, and oncology products in Central Turkey.
Education
E-MBA - Business Administration
Gazi University
Ankara, Turkey09-2010
Bachelor - Business Administration and Management
Mersin University
Mersin, Turkey06-2001
Skills
- Pharmaceutical Sales
- Brand Management
- OTC Sales & Business Development
- Data-Driven Sales Strategy
- Structured Trade Finance (LC, Murabaha)
- International Business Development
- Cross-Border Trade & Export Strategy
- FMCG & Pharmaceutical Commercialization
- Private Label & CMO Management
- Retail Channel Expansion
- B2B Sales & Key Account Management
Languages
Turkish
English
Interests
- Reading
- Sports
- Gardening
- Traveling
Awards And Scholarships
- Sales Excellence Award, 2015, Bayer Turkey - #1 Regional Manager nationally for Rx/OTC portfolio
- E-MBA Full Scholarship, 2009 - 2010, Gazi University
Volunteering And Leadership
Mentor - Export & Trade Finance, Young Business Association, Istanbul, Turkey, 2023, present, Advise early-stage FMCG founders on cross-border payments, LC structures, and distributor negotiation.
Key Impact
- $300M+ structured trade finance transactions executed (LC, Murabaha)
- $60M+ B2B international sales portfolio managed
- $30M export growth delivered in OTC & functional FMCG
- Tier-1 retail penetration across 10+ global chains: Nahdi, Watsons, Gratis, Ebebek, Migros, BIM, Aldi, Boots, Amazon, Costco, US ethnic markets, Ozon
- Operations expanded across EMEA, CIS, US, and MENA
Timeline
Sales Manager
Axendo
07.2024 - 07.2025
Business Unit Manager
ATS Advanced Technology Supplies Tic. A.Ş.
06.2023 - 06.2024
Export Sales Manager
Halavet Gıda
08.2022 - 06.2023
Foreign Trade & Business Development Manager
Santefor
01.2021 - 08.2022
OTC Export Sales & Business Development Manager
Kervan Gıda
08.2019 - 12.2021
Brand Manager
Bayer
06.2016 - 06.2018
Regional Manager
Bayer
01.2013 - 04.2019
Regional Manager / Field Force Manager / Sales Trainer / Trade Manager
Intendis (Bayer)
01.2004 - 01.2013
Sales Representative
Schering AG
01.2003 - 01.2004
E-MBA - Business Administration
Gazi University
Bachelor - Business Administration and Management
Mersin University