MAHMUT CENGIZ AYDIN
İstanbul
Summary
Accomplished government affairs and public policy executive with over 20 years of diverse leadership experience in fintech, digital payments, urban mobility, and healthcare sectors. Skilled in navigating intricate regulatory environments, driving national-level policy changes, and aligning public-private interests to drive organizational success. Demonstrated track record of influencing high-stakes negotiations, cultivating strategic partnerships, and enhancing business outcomes through targeted policy advocacy for industry giants such as Mastercard and innovative disruptors like Martı Technologies.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Government Relations Officer
Martı Technologies
04.2025 - Current
- Spearheading regulatory strategy to unlock Türkiye’s multibillion-dollar ride-sharing market.
- Leading engagement with national and local government stakeholders to shape sustainable urban mobility frameworks.
- Driving public visibility and sectoral influence through industry associations and executive advocacy.
Director, Government Affairs & Public Policy – Turkey & CIS
Mastercard
07.2021 - 03.2025
- Directed regional policy strategies promoting digital finance and financial inclusion.
- Secured favorable regulatory outcomes on interchange and scheme fees through coordinated global advocacy.
- Produced economic policy papers and stakeholder briefs for use in negotiations with key regulators.
- Represented Mastercard in high-level policy forums across multiple markets.
- Directed regional policy strategies promoting digital finance and financial inclusion.
Director, Investment & Public Policy
AIFD (Association of Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies)
07.2016 - 07.2021
- Led industry-wide coalitions to influence healthcare innovation and EU policy alignment.
- Negotiated reforms on pricing, reimbursement, and regulatory structures with government bodies.
Senior Economic & Policy Advisor
US Embassy / US Department of State
02.2015 - 06.2016
- Provided strategic analysis on economic policy, competition, and trade to senior diplomats.
- Facilitated dialogue with Turkish institutions to promote investment-friendly reforms.
Deputy Director General
Varyap Real Estate
12.2011 - 01.2015
- Managed international project development and multi-stakeholder relations across Central Asia and the Middle East.
Commercial Counselor / Diplomat
Permanent Delegation of Turkey to the EU
09.2007 - 09.2011
- Represented Türkiye in EU negotiations on digital economy, competition, and economic policy.
Foreign Trade Expert / Controller
Ministry of Trade
12.1998 - 09.2007
- Designed national trade strategies ensuring WTO and global regulatory compliance.
- Designed national trade strategies ensuring WTO and global regulatory compliance.
- Designed national trade strategies ensuring WTO and global regulatory compliance.
Corporate Banking Analyst
Esbank
08.1995 - 04.1998
- Rotated across corporate banking operations during early career development.
- Rotated across corporate banking operations during early career development.
- Rotated across corporate banking operations during early career development.
Education
Master of International Affairs - Economic & Political Development
Columbia University – SIPA
05.2004
BSc - Political Science & Public Administration
Middle East Technical University
06.1995
Skills
- Government Relations
- Regulatory Strategy
- Public Policy Advocacy
- Digital Payments
- Urban Mobility
- Network Economics
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Strategic Partnerships
- C-Suite Advisory
- Risk & Crisis Management
- Business Transformation
Languages
Turkish
English
French
Timeline
Chief Government Relations Officer
Martı Technologies
04.2025 - Current
Director, Government Affairs & Public Policy – Turkey & CIS
Mastercard
07.2021 - 03.2025
Director, Investment & Public Policy
AIFD (Association of Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies)
07.2016 - 07.2021
Senior Economic & Policy Advisor
US Embassy / US Department of State
02.2015 - 06.2016
Deputy Director General
Varyap Real Estate
12.2011 - 01.2015
Commercial Counselor / Diplomat
Permanent Delegation of Turkey to the EU
09.2007 - 09.2011
Foreign Trade Expert / Controller
Ministry of Trade
12.1998 - 09.2007
Corporate Banking Analyst
Esbank
08.1995 - 04.1998
BSc - Political Science & Public Administration
Middle East Technical University
Master of International Affairs - Economic & Political Development
Columbia University – SIPA