Dr. TURHAN KARAKAYA
PhD In Management Engineering & Business Administration. Mechanical Engineer-(MBA), Mechatronics Engineer, Industrial Engineer-M.Sc. BSc In Business Administration
Tuzla,33
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented executive with extensive experience in business strategy, sales, marketing, and operations management. Strong background in engineering and business administration, successfully leading large-scale organizations, developing market expansion strategies, and driving business transformation across multiple industries.
Currently serving as General Manager of Hisense HVAC Turkey, responsible for business growth, market expansion, financial performance, and operational efficiency. Previously held leadership positions at Bosch Thermotechnology, Hitachi, and LG, managing strategic partnerships, product development, and distribution networks across Turkey, the Middle East, and the Caucasus.
Founded Proje Istanbul, a consulting and engineering firm, leading major commercial and industrial projects while strengthening partnerships with global brands. Expertise spans sales and marketing, strategic management, and technical innovation, with a proven track record of enhancing business performance and industry advancement.
Additionally, contributes to academia as a university lecturer, mentoring future business leaders in strategic management, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
30
30
years of post-secondary education
Work History
General Manager
Hisense HVAC Turkey
10.2024 - Current
- Developing and executing growth strategies for the Turkish market
- Managing sales and marketing operations to expand market share
- Overseeing overall business operations to enhance efficiency and profitability
- Leading and developing cross-functional teams
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with distributors and partners
- Managing financial performance, budgeting, and cost optimization
- Conducting market analysis and competitive strategy planning
- Enhancing customer service quality and after-sales support
Vice President
Hisense HVAC Turkey
09.2022 - 10.2024
- Led regional operations, driving market expansion and business growth
- Managed distribution, marketing, and product strategy to maximize market presence
- Developed new sales channels and OEM partnerships to enhance revenue streams
- Led and coached teams, setting strategic goals for sustainable growth
- Planned and managed sales, profitability, and marketing budgets to optimize ROI
- Negotiated with key stakeholders to ensure successful project execution
- Identified market opportunities, driving innovation and business transformation
General Manager and Owner
Proje Istanbul
11.2016 - 09.2022
- Established and led a successful engineering and consulting firm with 100% personal investment
- Managed strategic decision-making, business development, and client relationship management
- Oversaw financial operations, team formation, and overall business administration
- Led design, sales, and execution of large-scale projects, including luxury hotels, residential complexes, and industrial facilities
- Directed system implementation for key projects such as Turkish Airlines Maintenance Centers and major manufacturing plants
- Negotiated with investors, developers, and contractors, providing consultancy and technical training
- Managed partnerships with leading global brands, offering authorized dealership and service solutions
Managing Director
Hitachi (Asal AS)
05.2013 - 11.2016
- Oversaw the management and strategic operations of Asal Inc., including the management of relationships with Hisense and Hisense-Hitachi, as well as the coordination of new distributorship agreements with Hitachi Japan
- Chaired the board of investors and partners, fostering collaboration and alignment with company goals
- Managed extensive communications and coordinated operations between Hisense, Hitachi offices and plants across Japan, China, Spain, and Italy, enhancing global supply chain and product management strategies
- Directed all key departments—Marketing, Sales, Finance, HR, Supply Chain, Logistics, and After Sales Services—through managerial staff, fostering a cooperative environment and ensuring alignment with the company’s strategic objectives
- Set and managed annual budgets and financial targets in collaboration with the board, continuously monitoring and adjusting to meet financial goals
- Developed and continuously improved the sales network, established direct customer contacts, and implemented customer service strategies to enhance customer satisfaction, resulting in high customer retention and satisfaction rates
- Engaged directly with project designers, architects, and investors for major commercial projects, providing expert guidance and maintaining strong professional relationships to support project success
- Acted as the company’s representative at sector-specific non-governmental organizations, established and maintained a network providing market insights and competitive intelligence
Sales & Marketing Director
Bosch Thermotechnology
01.2011 - 05.2013
- Led the strategic management of Bosch, Buderus, and LG product portfolios across Turkey, the Middle East, and the Caucasus, ensuring market alignment and business growth
- Developed and executed sales, marketing, and product strategies to maximize market share and revenue across diverse regions
- Managed product lifecycle, pricing, and positioning strategies to optimize competitiveness and profitability
- Oversaw regional distribution networks, expanding partnerships and enhancing go-to-market strategies
- Led cross-functional teams, coordinating with R&D, supply chain, and manufacturing to ensure seamless product availability and innovation alignment
- Conducted market analysis and competitor benchmarking to drive data-driven decision-making and strategic planning
- Negotiated with key stakeholders, including distributors, corporate clients, and government entities, to secure major contracts and long-term partnerships
- Managed marketing campaigns, promotional activities, and brand positioning to enhance customer engagement and brand equity
Director of Marketing and Product Management
Bosch Thermotechnology
01.2006 - 01.2011
- Led business development initiatives and successfully integrated new products and brands into the portfolio
- Negotiated and secured key distributorship agreements with major industry players, including Daikin, expanding market reach
- Developed and optimized the product range, aligning with market demands and growth opportunities
- Established and managed distribution networks, implementing strategic pricing policies to maximize profitability and competitiveness
- Defined go-to-market strategies, ensuring strong brand positioning and market penetration
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to enhance sales performance, streamline operations, and drive revenue growth
Product Manager
Bosch Thermotechnology
01.2000 - 01.2006
- Developed and expanded the product portfolio, aligning air conditioning solutions with market needs and business objectives
- Established and optimized distribution networks, enhancing market coverage and operational efficiency
- Designed and implemented pricing strategies to maximize competitiveness and profitability
- Collaborated with sales, marketing, and R&D teams to drive product innovation and market success
- Conducted market research and competitor analysis to identify trends and opportunities for growth
After Sales & Service Department Manager
Bosch Thermotechnology
10.1996 - 01.2000
- Led the establishment, training, and management of the after-sales service network for imported brands
- Developed and implemented post-sales service systems, ensuring operational efficiency and customer satisfaction
- Managed CRM systems to enhance service quality, optimize customer interactions, and improve retention rates
- Designed training programs for service teams, ensuring technical expertise and high-performance standards
- Collaborated with sales and product teams to align service strategies with business objectives and market expectations
Field and Site Operations Manager
ST Klima Mühendislik Taah. Ltd. Şti
01.1994 - 01.1995
- Oversaw the project management of one of the largest hospital projects in Istanbul
- Managed field operations for various tall building projects
Site Manager
Biltes Mühendislik Taah. Ltd. Şti
01.1993 - 01.1994
- Responsible for field operations and progress management for projects including Çukurova-Baytur, Ataşehir Heat Center, Mas Plaza, etc
Education
Ph.D. - Business Administration
Istinye University
Istanbul, Turkey 03.2020 - 07.2024
Ph.D. - Management Engineering
Bahçeşehir University
Istanbul, Turkey 07.2020 - 03.2024
M.Sc. - Industrial Engineering
Sakarya University
Istanbul, Turkey 02.2011 - 02.2013
MBA - Business Administration
Bahçeşehir University
Istanbul, Turkey 07.2009 - 02.2011
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Doğuş University
Istanbul, Turkey 08.2018 - 06.2020
Bachelor of Science - Mechatronics Engineering
Bahçeşehir University
09.2012 - 06.2017
Bachelor of Science - Industrial Engineering
International Ahmet Yesevi University
Istanbul, Turkey 09.2005 - 03.2009
BBA - Economics & Business Administration
Istanbul University
Istanbul, Turkey 09.2012 - 07.2014
BBA - Business Administration
Anadolu University
Eskişehir, Turkey 10.2005 - 06.2009
Associate of Science - Mechatronics
Sakarya University
Istanbul, Turkey 10.2007 - 06.2008
Associate of Science - HVAC&R Technologies
Istanbul University
Istanbul, Turkey 09.1991 - 07.1993
Skills
Business development
Leadership and team building
Effective leader
Project planning
Goal setting
Strategic planning
Staff motivation
Training and development
Business administration
Relationship building
Organizational development
Advertising and marketing
Non Governmental Organizations
- TOBB-Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges HVAC&R Council Member
- Board of Directors membership at İSİB (2011-2013)
- Founding membership and Vice Chairman of İSEDA
- Membership in the MMO-Mechanical Engineers Chamber
- Founding membership in the ASHRAE Turkey Chapter
- Membership in the Union of Turkish Architects and Engineers
- Full membership in TTMD
- Chairmanship of the High Discipline Board of the Mechatronics Engineers Association
- Memberships at İSKİD (2009-2012)
Other Volunteer Duties
- Doğuş University, Lecturer, Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management, Strategic Management, Business Policy
- İstinye University, Lecturer, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management
- İstinye University, Course Instructor, International Business Management
- Doğuş University, Advisory Board Member
- Bahçeşehir University, Advisory Board Member, Mechatronics Engineering Department
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 08/15/73
- Nationality: Turkish
- Marital Status: Married
Certificates And Authorizations
- Occupational Safety Expert-A Class
- ISO 9001:2008 Quality Lead Auditor
- ISO-14064 Carbon Footprint Calculation Expert
- RAC Expert
- Automatic Control Installation Expert
- Natural Gas Project Planning Expert
- Natural Gas Internal Installation Project Planning Specialist
- Technical and Auditing Specialist
Timeline
General Manager
Hisense HVAC Turkey
10.2024 - Current
Vice President
Hisense HVAC Turkey
09.2022 - 10.2024
Ph.D. - Management Engineering
Bahçeşehir University
07.2020 - 03.2024
Ph.D. - Business Administration
Istinye University
03.2020 - 07.2024
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Doğuş University
08.2018 - 06.2020
General Manager and Owner
Proje Istanbul
11.2016 - 09.2022
Managing Director
Hitachi (Asal AS)
05.2013 - 11.2016
Bachelor of Science - Mechatronics Engineering
Bahçeşehir University
09.2012 - 06.2017
BBA - Economics & Business Administration
Istanbul University
09.2012 - 07.2014
M.Sc. - Industrial Engineering
Sakarya University
02.2011 - 02.2013
Sales & Marketing Director
Bosch Thermotechnology
01.2011 - 05.2013
MBA - Business Administration
Bahçeşehir University
07.2009 - 02.2011
Associate of Science - Mechatronics
Sakarya University
10.2007 - 06.2008
Director of Marketing and Product Management
Bosch Thermotechnology
01.2006 - 01.2011
BBA - Business Administration
Anadolu University
10.2005 - 06.2009
Bachelor of Science - Industrial Engineering
International Ahmet Yesevi University
09.2005 - 03.2009
Product Manager
Bosch Thermotechnology
01.2000 - 01.2006
After Sales & Service Department Manager
Bosch Thermotechnology
10.1996 - 01.2000
Field and Site Operations Manager
ST Klima Mühendislik Taah. Ltd. Şti
01.1994 - 01.1995
Site Manager
Biltes Mühendislik Taah. Ltd. Şti
01.1993 - 01.1994
Associate of Science - HVAC&R Technologies
Istanbul University
09.1991 - 07.1993