NECLA A. SOZEN
Senior Business Development And Partnership Manager
Istanbul
Summary
A proficient professional adept at seamlessly integrating Business Development, Market Management, Partnership Management, and Key Account Management functions across the travel technology, tourism, e-commerce, B2B sales and SaaS sectors. With 14 + years of experience in the travel industry, I possess a proven track record in driving revenue growth, cultivating strategic partnerships, managing team and delivering client-centric solutions. Renowned for my ability to secure lucrative partnerships, orchestrate successful lead acquisition strategies, and optimise products, including API integrations within SaaS environments. In thriving within dynamic global markets across EMEA, UK, USA, and LATAM, I am wellversed in operating within a dynamic and global landscape where staying updated on the latest trends is of utmost importance.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Languages
Work History
Senior Business Development and Partnership Manager
Elife Global Ground Transportation Tech Company
Remote
09.2024 - Current
- Lead business development across EMEA and the UK, aligning country plans with global strategies
- Analyse market trends and competitor activities to identify growth opportunities
- Set and monitor KPIs, ensuring alignment with organisational goals
- Mentor and manage sales and account teams to achieve revenue targets and operational excellence
- Drive client engagement, expand key accounts, and secure new partnerships in untapped markets
- Lead B2B negotiations with travel agencies, corporate buyers, and wholesalers
- Strengthen brand visibility through industry events and strategic partnerships
- Collaborate cross-functionally to optimize service delivery, operational efficiency, and profitability
- Track financial performance and provide data-driven insights to regional and global leadership
Strategic Partnerships and Business Development Manager
Adventure Tech AS
02.2023 - 04.2024
- Company Overview: Adventure Tech (Bilberry) is a cutting-edge software solutions for the travel industry, including advanced booking platforms and travel management systems
- Generated 750+ organic leads and expanded influence across Norway, Central and Eastern Europe, the US, and the Middle East, targeting diverse companies in the travel industry
- Spearheaded sales and partnership initiatives, fostering mutually beneficial relationships with tour operators, attractions, and hospitality providers
- Collaborated closely with tourism boards on impactful projects aimed at fostering sustainable growth for local providers
- Led front-end development efforts on the Statamic (CMS Built) platform, enhancing user experience with innovative widgets
- Organised events with key industry stakeholders and attended prominent events hosted by ETOA, UK Inbound, and Visit Britain
- Implemented SEO strategy resulting in increased organic search traffic and improved online visibility
- Conducted competitor analysis to identify market trends and opportunities, informing strategic decisions
- Provided tailored training sessions to empower customers in leveraging Adventure Tech's system effectively
- Established and maintained relationships with industry-leading OTAs such as Viator, Get Your Guide, and Klook
- Mastered Adventure Tech's API capabilities, effectively communicating with the system's functionalities
- Collaborated with marketing and business development teams to identify and pursue new sales opportunities
- Adventure Tech (Bilberry) is a cutting-edge software solutions for the travel industry, including advanced booking platforms and travel management systems
Key Account & Market Manager (Senior)
Travel Curious
London
02.2021 - 02.2023
- Company Overview: Travel Curious is a travel technology company that specialises in providing curated travel experiences and services to travellers
- Developed and launched 280+ travel products across UK, EMEA, LATAM, and USA, enhancing competitiveness and market reach
- Delivered 100% of new product targets for 2 consecutive quarters with a team of four who I managed as a manager
- Expanded global tour options with Marriott International and Travel Curious, marketing diverse experiences in cities like London, Barcelona, Istanbul and Miami
- Forged partnerships and managed integrated over 5 OTA accounts (incl
- Lonely Planet, Viator, Klook, Expedia, and Booking, among others)
- Launched Tours & Activities and partnership with well known hotels in vibrant markets such as Turkey (Istanbul), Venice, and Marrakech
- Integrated sustainability into tour creation, reducing carbon emissions while enhancing experiences
- Spearheaded OKR adoption within the Director's team, fostering alignment and agility
- Created a video-based training platform to enhance staff proficiency in Travel Curious's proprietary systems
- Conducted market research and identified new product expansion opportunities
- Travel Curious is a travel technology company that specialises in providing curated travel experiences and services to travellers
Key Account Manager EMEA (Senior)
TripAdvisor (Experiences)
London
01.2015 - 04.2020
- Company Overview: TripAdvisor Experiences is the world's leading online distribution platform for tours, activities and attraction tickets
- Managed key accounts in 17 countries: the UK, Turkey, Hungary, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Germany, Russia, Austria, Ukraine, Croatia, Malta, Estonia, Amsterdam, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Romania, and Poland
- Achieved 283% revenue growth and 183% increase (YoY) in product supply in EMEA territories between 2018 and 2019
- Collaborated on special projects (marketing projects), resulting in significant revenue increases in Amsterdam (+87%) and the Netherlands (+111%) YOY (2018-2019)
- Utilised Tableau, Salesforce, Confluence, and Cube for competitor analysis and strategic decision-making
- Developed API services for existing and new accounts, collaborating with platforms like Google Reserve, Bokun and TrekSoft
- Conducted comprehensive destination research, converting inbound and outbound leads
- Exceeded supplier targets consistently, notably with Best of Switzerland (34% overachieved in 3 months) and KeyTours/Lindbergh in Amsterdam (27% overachieved in 6 months)
- Expanded destination coverage for TripAdvisor customers, leveraging SEM and SEO effectively
- Provided comprehensive training to enhance team performance and efficiency
- TripAdvisor Experiences is the world's leading online distribution platform for tours, activities and attraction tickets
Education
BA - International Business and Travel Management
University of Greenwich
London 09.2008 - 05.2012
Skills
- Business Relationship Management
- Account Management
- Leadership
- API & Integrations
- Sales Strategy
- Business Development
- Global Partnerships Management
- Negotiation
- Strategic Planning for Growth
- Cube
- Confluence
- Salesforce
- HubSpot
- Tableau
- Excel
- Tech Partnerships
- Private, Partner & Public API
- Google Reserve
- Statamic (CMS)
- Market Manager
- Competitive analysis
Timeline
Senior Business Development and Partnership Manager
Elife Global Ground Transportation Tech Company
09.2024 - Current
Strategic Partnerships and Business Development Manager
Adventure Tech AS
02.2023 - 04.2024
Key Account & Market Manager (Senior)
Travel Curious
02.2021 - 02.2023
Key Account Manager EMEA (Senior)
TripAdvisor (Experiences)
01.2015 - 04.2020
BA - International Business and Travel Management
University of Greenwich
09.2008 - 05.2012