I am a global marketing leader with 15+ years of experience shaping and executing growth strategies across FMCG, personal care, food, confectionery, and chemicals. I blend strategic marketing with commercial discipline to deliver strong brand and business outcomes in international markets, drive portfolio and digital transformations, and lead innovation architectures that create future-fit, consumer-relevant brands. I enjoy leading multicultural teams and partnering cross-functionally to drive sustainable, consumer-centric growth.

Murat Akkaya

I am a global marketing leader with 15+ years of experience shaping and executing growth strategies across FMCG, personal care, food, confectionery, and chemicals. I blend strategic marketing with commercial discipline to deliver strong brand and business outcomes in international markets, drive portfolio and digital transformations, and lead innovation architectures that create future-fit, consumer-relevant brands. I enjoy leading multicultural teams and partnering cross-functionally to drive sustainable, consumer-centric growth.

Available to hire

I am a global marketing leader with 15+ years of experience shaping and executing growth strategies across FMCG, personal care, food, confectionery, and chemicals.

I blend strategic marketing with commercial discipline to deliver strong brand and business outcomes in international markets, drive portfolio and digital transformations, and lead innovation architectures that create future-fit, consumer-relevant brands. I enjoy leading multicultural teams and partnering cross-functionally to drive sustainable, consumer-centric growth.

See more

Language

English
Fluent
German
Beginner

Work Experience

Branding Lead, Region Europe at Syngenta Crop Protection
November 1, 2022 - February 1, 2026
Own the regional brand strategy for a $3B portfolio, shaping long-term brand equity, positioning and competitive advantage in Europe. Redesigned the end-to-end branding process to embed customer insight and competitive intelligence, strengthening differentiation. Transformed the regional brand portfolio to meet sustainability and regulatory standards unlocking $800M incremental growth. Drove 25% cost reduction in asset creation costs by streamlining processes and utilizing Gen-AI Marketing.
Marketing Director, Emerging Markets at Pladis (Godiva, McVitie's, Ulker)
January 1, 2020 - November 1, 2022
Led the regional marketing organization across Emerging Markets (SSA, India, China, Australia & JAKO); steered a multicultural team of 12 FTE; defined the 5-year regional growth strategy, including new-market entries & country development roadmaps. Re-set Nigeria and India brand portfolio strategies to support business turnarounds. Led major brand repositioning for McVitie’s and Haansbro brands, strengthening relevance, competitiveness and profitability (30% GP). Championed a 3-year regional innovation agenda, delivering 10% incremental growth. Stewardship for the brand portfolio transformation in Australia boosting market share from 3.5% to 5%.
Senior Marketing Manager, East & South Europe at Pladis
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2020
Directed the marketing and trade marketing agenda for East & South Europe, including Russia. Leading regional McVitie’s & Godiva marketing teams (6 FTE). Aligned with the turnaround plan, 50% revenue growth in 3 years; re-gained leadership in Romania. Penetrated McVitie’s brand to major East Europe markets, doubling the brand sales revenue in 2 years.
Regional Brand Manager, Middle East & Central Asia at Pladis
January 1, 2015 - December 1, 2016
In charge of all the marketing actions in Central Asia & Middle East (chocolate & cake). Led Albeni brand growth in Kazakhstan ranking as #3; supported Godiva KSA launch.
Faculty Member at SBS, Zurich Business School
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2022
Part-time lecturer for marketing courses (BA & MBA).
Brand Manager at Balparmak
January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2014
Trade Marketing Manager at NIVEA Beiersdorf Turkiye
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2012
Trade Marketing Category Manager at Hayat Kimya
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2011
Branding Lead, Region Europe at Syngenta Crop Protection – Basel
November 1, 2022 - February 1, 2026
Own the regional brand strategy for a $3B portfolio, shaping long-term brand equity, positioning and competitive advantage in Europe. Redesigned the end-to-end branding process to embed customer insight and competitive intelligence, strengthening differentiation. Transformed the regional brand portfolio to meet sustainability and regulatory standards unlocking $800M incremental growth. Drove 25% cost reduction in asset creation costs by streamlining processes and utilizing Gen-AI.
Marketing Director, Emerging Markets at Pladis (Godiva, McVitie’s, Ulker) – Basel
January 1, 2020 - November 1, 2022
Led the regional marketing organization across Emerging Markets (SSA, India, China, Australia & JAKO) steering a multicultural team of 12 FTE; a member of the regional leadership team. Defined the 5-year regional growth strategy, including new-market entries & country development roadmaps. Re-set Nigeria and India brand portfolio strategies to support business turnarounds. Led major brand repositioning plans for McVitie’s and Haansbro brands, strengthening relevance, competitiveness and profitability (Achieved 30% GP). Championed a 3-year regional innovation agenda, delivering 10% incremental growth. Stewardship for the brand portfolio transformation in Australia boosting the market share (3.5% → 5%).
Regional Brand Manager, Middle East & Central Asia at Pladis – Istanbul
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2016
In charge of all the marketing actions in Central Asia & Middle East / chocolate & cake. Led Albeni brand growth in Kazakhstan ranking as #3; supported Godiva KSA launch.

Education

Climate change & sustainability course at ETH Zurich
January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025
Corporate strategy EMBA module at University of Rochester - Bern
January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025
Leadership program at University of St. Gallen
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2023
PhD in marketing, concentrated in brand strategy & market segmentation at Yeditepe University
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2019
Master in marketing at Galatasaray University
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2009
Bachelor’s degree in management at Hacettepe University
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2006
Executive Education — Climate Change & Sustainability at ETH Zurich
January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025
Corporate Strategy EMBA Module at University of Rochester - Bern
January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025
Leadership Program at University of St. Gallen
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2023
PhD in Marketing, concentration in Brand Strategy & Market Segmentation at Yeditepe University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2019
Master in Marketing at Galatasaray University
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2009
Bachelor’s degree in Management at Hacettepe University
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2006
PhD in Marketing at Yeditepe University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2019
Master in Marketing at Galatasaray University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2009
Bachelor in Management at Hacettepe University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2006
Leadership Program at University of St. Gallen
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2023
Corporate Strategy EMBA Module at University of Rochester - Bern
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2025
Climate Change & Sustainability Course at ETH Zurich
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2025

Qualifications

Climate Change & Sustainability
January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025
Corporate Strategy EMBA Module
January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025
Leadership Program
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2023
PhD in Marketing, concentration in Brand Strategy & Market Segmentation
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2019
Master in Marketing
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2009
Bachelor’s Degree in Management
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2006
Climate Change & Sustainability Course
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2025
Corporate Strategy EMBA Module
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2025
Leadership Program
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2023

Industry Experience

Consumer Goods, Manufacturing, Professional Services, Retail, Other, Agriculture & Mining