Yasemin Hepsert
Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Executive
Istanbul
Summary
Seasoned pharmaceutical executive with over 25 years of experience in sales, marketing, business operations, and strategic portfolio management at top-tier multinational corporations. Known for leading transformative business initiatives, improving performance, and driving sustainable growth in complex, heavily regulated markets. Skilled at managing cross-functional teams, developing strategic pathways, and aligning local operations with regional and global objectives.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
2016
2016
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Languages
Work History
Head of Business Operations – Türkiye
Takeda
05.2019 - Current
- Directly led five key departments—SFE & BI, Learning & Development, Communication, Congress & Events, and REFS—with each unit managed by a direct report. Oversaw a total team of 20 professionals, driving cross-functional integration and organizational effectiveness
- Acted as a strategic partner to the Country General Manager and Leadership Team, overseeing strategic planning, portfolio management, and operational excellence.
- Led key planning cycles (MRP, LRF, MYC, LBE) and cross-functional launch readiness.
- Directed BI and SFE functions, including territory alignment, incentive schemes, CRM governance, and dashboards.
- Established ROI-focused performance governance and KPI tracking frameworks.
- Managed internal communications and engagement initiatives in line with transformation goals.
- Collaborated with HR on capability building, succession, and leadership development.
- Portfolio Management
- P&L Responsibility
- Strategic Planning
- Sales Force Effectiveness
- Business Intelligence
- Launch Excellence
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Talent Development
- Strategic Alignment
Senior Product Manager - Rare Hematology
Takeda
08.2021 - 09.2023
- Responsible for managing the Rare Hematology Franchise’s brand strategy and maximizing portfolio performance by localizing global strategies based on market insights.
- Led market analysis to identify opportunities and guide strategic planning.
- Designed and executed Local Brand Plans aligned with brand objectives, tracking KPIs and adapting actions as needed.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with Medical, Market Access, Regulatory, Communications, and Business Operations teams.
- Engaged field teams and key opinion leaders to implement impactful initiatives improving patient outcomes.
- Supported product messaging, segmentation, and positioning.
- Partnered with Sales Excellence and HR to address training needs and deliver capability-building programs.
- Ensured full compliance in all marketing activities.
- Developed and implemented omnichannel digital campaigns for Rare Hematology products.
- Portfolio Management
- P&L Responsibility
- Business Plan
- Strategy
- Cross Functional Team Management
- KOL Management
Business Lead- Rare Hematology
Takeda
01.2017 - 08.2021
- Training and coaching direct reports; Account Leads.
- Responsible for optimizing the sales coverage in the market and ensuring the proper allocation of the resources (targeting).
- Managing her team for ensuring optimal implementation of sales and marketing strategies, activities, projects (strategy and execution).
- Building and maintaining relations with key accounts and key opinion leaders.
- B2B & B2C Sales
- Pricing
- Negotiating
- Purchasing
- Project Management
- Operation Management
National Sales Manager – Rare Hematology
ECZACIBASI-BAXTER
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Led a team of 16, consisting of District Managers and Account Leads and coaching direct reports; District managers.
- Direct involvement in budget process; plan, forecast and update.
- Responsible for achieving company financials in Hematology division.
- Responsible for optimizing the sales coverage in the market and ensuring the proper allocation of the resources (targeting).
- Managing her team for ensuring optimal implementation of sales and marketing strategies, activities, projects (strategy and execution).
- Building and maintaining relations with key accounts and key opinion leaders.
- Sales Management
- People Management
- Direct Sales
- Distributor Management
District Manager – Anesthesia Critical Care
ECZACIBASI-BAXTER
02.2009 - 01.2015
- Managing all Sales and Marketing Activities in responsible area.
- Leading Parenteral Nutrition and Anesthesia &Critical Care Divisions with 6 sales members.
- Managing the Infusion Pumps, Vaporizator and Pain Pumps devices in the right clinics, also providing the training and technical equipment to the relevant clinics and users.
- Achieving sales and financial targets in accordance with the company’s strategic goals.
- Preparing monthly forecasts, designing and implementing a business plan with the sales team.
- Sales Management
- People Management
- Direct Sales
- Distributor Management
Senior Sales Specialist – Anesthesia Critical Care
ECZACIBASI-BAXTER
11.2000 - 02.2009
- Implementing Anesthesia product line sales strategies to ensure sales and market growth.
- Identifying new business opportunities and gain new expanded business within Black Sea Region.
- Being responsible for promoting and sales activities of infusion pumps and pain pumps.
- Conducting promotional activities for Rush and Edwards branded medical kits and intravenous catheters targeting Cardiovascular Surgery, and Anesthesiology departments, and managed positioning efforts in public tenders.
- Sales Management
- Project Management
- Tender Management
Education
Master’s degree - business administration
Istanbul Bilgi University
Bachelor’s degree - Department of Chemistry
Samsun 19 Mayis University
Skills
Business strategy development
Timeline
Senior Product Manager - Rare Hematology
Takeda
08.2021 - 09.2023
Head of Business Operations – Türkiye
Takeda
05.2019 - Current
Business Lead- Rare Hematology
Takeda
01.2017 - 08.2021
National Sales Manager – Rare Hematology
ECZACIBASI-BAXTER
01.2015 - 01.2017
District Manager – Anesthesia Critical Care
ECZACIBASI-BAXTER
02.2009 - 01.2015
Senior Sales Specialist – Anesthesia Critical Care
ECZACIBASI-BAXTER
11.2000 - 02.2009
Bachelor’s degree - Department of Chemistry
Samsun 19 Mayis University
Master’s degree - business administration
Istanbul Bilgi University
Languages
Turkish
English
Training
- BUYEM-PWN Women Leadership Program, 2022
- Certified Facilitator (TAKEDA - AXCEEİD Coaching to Excellence WS), 2022
- The Art of Storytelling (advanced presentation skills), 2018, Barcelona
- Future FIT Talent Program of Eczacibasi, 2016
- Women in Sales, 2014-2015
- Team Coaching, 2014-2015
- Marketing Powerhouse Course, 2013
- Doctor Partnership Program, 2012