Umut Karayel
Ankara,Türkiye
Summary
Results-driven Business Development, Program&Contract Managemen and Marketing Executive with over 20 years of experience in the aerospace, defense, and manufacturing industries. Proven track record in leading large teams, developing strategic partnerships, and driving revenue growth. Seeking opportunities in the EMEA region to leverage expertise in project management, international sales, and market expansion. Fluent in English and Turkish, with a solid background in managing complex projects and delivering exceptional results.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director of Business Development and Marketing
Aspilsan Energy Inc.
Ankara
02.2024 - Current
- Overseeing business development, sales, and marketing activities for Europe’s sole lithium-ion cylindrical battery manufacturer
- Developing marketing and sales plans and creating export strategies from scratch
- Designing aerospace battery solutions and obtaining certifications for civil aerospace applications, focusing on Turkish Airlines and other major carriers
- Leading a team of 22 sales and marketing professionals across three locations.
Commercial Director
Nurol CAS (formerly Nurol BAE SYSTEMS Air Systems Inc. BNA)
Ankara
04.2019 - 02.2024
- Managed sales, marketing, business development, supply chain, MarCom, pricing, bid preparation, contracts, industrialization, and procurement activities
- Prepared Board of Directors meetings and strategy workshops
- Secured various aerospace system development contracts within the TF-X and Hurjet programs.
Business Development Manager
Nurol CAS (formerly Nurol BAE SYSTEMS Air Systems Inc. BNA)
Ankara
01.2018 - 04.2019
- Managed international sales, marketing, and business development activities for the company in Turkey and the region.
Executive Vice President
Eurasia Air Show
Ankara
11.2016 - 12.2017
- Led Turkey’s and the region’s largest aerospace business development platform
- Developed international sales and marketing strategies for the premiere of the Eurasia Airshow
- Managed auspices application process, securing support from the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey
- Oversaw major subcontracts and coordinated flight show plans for international flight demonstration teams.
Senior Aerospace Consultant
STM Defense Technologies Engineering & Consulting Inc.
Ankara
03.2015 - 11.2016
- Provided consultancy services for various aerospace projects
- Coordinated the establishment of the Turkish Regional Jet Program model and contract structure
- Managed the ‘Turkish Aerospace Test Center of Excellence Project’ for TUBITAK and the Ministry of Transport, Maritime, and Communications
- Part-time aerospace lecturer at Atilim University Faculty of Aviation.
Chief, Major Subcontracts - Gökbey Turkish Light Utility Helicopter Program
Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ-TAI)
Ankara
03.2013 - 03.2015
- Managed helicopter engine selection, major subcontracts, and facility investments for the Gökbey TLUH Program
- Conducted RFP, evaluation, shortlisting, and selection processes for major helicopter engine manufacturers
- Presented the Gökbey Helicopter Engine selection report to upper management
- Developed the “Turkish Indigenous Turboshaft Engine Development Project Proposal.” Managed the local industrialization project for the Gökbey Helicopter Engine.
Airbus A400M Military Transport Aircraft Program Manager
Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ-TAI)
Ankara
01.2010 - 03.2013
- Led design, engineering, manufacturing, assembly, and logistics for Airbus A400M Military Transport Aircraft Program Fuselage components
- Achieved on-time deliveries and minimized outlocated work costs through key subcontracts
- Created and applied a new governance model for effective program management.
Contracts & Pricing Specialist
Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc.
Ankara
03.2006 - 01.2010
- Managed new business opportunities, sales, and aerospace contracts for the TAI Aerostructure & Space Division
- Led major contract negotiations and secured significant projects like Göktürk-I and Göktürk-II Satellite Projects.
Procurement & Subcontracting Engineer
Bozankaya Automotive
Ankara
05.2005 - 03.2006
- Managed purchasing, procurement, and subcontracting activities for M.A.N
- Passenger buses manufacturing.
Manufacturing Systems Consultant
Aslan International Foreign Trade and Consulting Inc.
Ankara
05.2001 - 12.2004
- Coordinated industrialization of SSM Offset Programs within the OSTIM SME Industrial area
- Led processes for military contracts and provided consultancy on ERP systems for SMEs.
Education
Industrial Engineering - undefined
Gazi University
01.1996 - 1 2001
Mathematics - undefined
Kütahya Ali Güral Anadolu Lisesi
01.1989 - 1 1996
Skills
Business Development
Marketing Strategy
Project Management (PMP Certified)
International Sales
Team Leadership
Digital Marketing Tools (eg, CRM, ERP systems)
Remote Team Management
Aerospace and Defense Industry Expertise
Contract Management
Supply Chain Management
Corporate Strategy
Websites
Personal Information
Date of Birth: 06/07/79
References
Available upon request
Training
- Building & Transforming The Next Generation Program Management - PMI
- PMP Certificate - AND Consulting (PMI Turkish Partner)
- Introduction To Space Program Organization - ALCATEL ALENIA SPACE
- Ground Control Segment - ALCATEL ALENIA SPACE
- GRAMS & Integrated Product Team Training - AIRBUS
- Configuration Management Basics - AIRBUS
- Unified Planning - AIRBUS & MI-GSO
Timeline
Executive Director of Business Development and Marketing
Aspilsan Energy Inc.
02.2024 - Current
Commercial Director
Nurol CAS (formerly Nurol BAE SYSTEMS Air Systems Inc. BNA)
04.2019 - 02.2024
Business Development Manager
Nurol CAS (formerly Nurol BAE SYSTEMS Air Systems Inc. BNA)
01.2018 - 04.2019
Executive Vice President
Eurasia Air Show
11.2016 - 12.2017
Senior Aerospace Consultant
STM Defense Technologies Engineering & Consulting Inc.
03.2015 - 11.2016
Chief, Major Subcontracts - Gökbey Turkish Light Utility Helicopter Program
Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ-TAI)
03.2013 - 03.2015
Airbus A400M Military Transport Aircraft Program Manager
Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ-TAI)
01.2010 - 03.2013
Contracts & Pricing Specialist
Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc.
03.2006 - 01.2010
Procurement & Subcontracting Engineer
Bozankaya Automotive
05.2005 - 03.2006
Manufacturing Systems Consultant
Aslan International Foreign Trade and Consulting Inc.
05.2001 - 12.2004
Industrial Engineering - undefined
Gazi University
01.1996 - 1 2001
Mathematics - undefined
Kütahya Ali Güral Anadolu Lisesi
01.1989 - 1 1996