Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Personal Information
Languages
Timeline
Generic
Aylin Özayan

Aylin Özayan

Turin

Summary

Dynamic and results-oriented business development professional with extensive experience in international B2B sales and marketing within the food industry. Proven track record of driving growth through strategic initiatives and fostering strong relationships with stakeholders. Possesses a solid understanding of the European food business landscape and a passion for innovation. Known for being proactive, results-driven, and adept at problem-solving. Excels in navigating complex business environments to achieve objectives and deliver value to clients.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

Partner, Business Development

Ekoterra Food Srl
01.2022 - Current
  • Developed and cultivated B2B partnerships within food industry, with focus on EU markets.
  • Implemented comprehensive business and marketing strategies to facilitate growth and market penetration.
  • Supervised private label production and managed brand portfolios across EU countries.
  • Spearheaded international market expansion efforts, driving increased presence and visibility.
  • Established and nurtured EU network spanning production, retail, and e-commerce channels.

Business Consultant

EIT Food Team-Up Program
06.2021 - 11.2021
  • Led business management of start-up project focused on development of marine collagen-based snacks.
  • Played key role in conceptualization, development, and execution of project.
  • Successfully drove project towards initiating its goals.

Channel Engagement Manager

Topcon Agriculture SpA
01.2017 - 03.2020
  • Led EMEA channel partner engagement and directed marketing for Topcon Agriculture's IoT connected solutions.
  • Translated global strategy into tailored marketing initiatives, boosting revenue and growth in EU markets.
  • Developed and executed marketing strategies across EMEA, optimizing budgets and achieving up to 20% savings.
  • Managed channel engagement programs and marketing plans with $1.6 million budget, consistently meeting targets.
  • Established brand awareness and generated qualified leads through targeted campaigns aligned with strategic objectives.
  • Orchestrated major events and trade shows across EMEA, achieving goals while saving $120,000 on budget.
  • Implemented digital sourcing system, optimizing operations and generating $40,000 in annual savings.
  • Effectively led and coordinated marketing operations across EMEA and LATAM regions, overseeing teams in 14 countries to drive collaborative efforts and achieve strategic objectives.

Founder, Managing Partner

Ekoterra Food Ltd.
01.2004 - 07.2016
  • Established and operated company specializing in certified organic and conventional farm-to-consumer products across EMEA and APAC markets.
  • Cultivated key client relationships in APAC and EMEA within two years through effective sourcing, marketing, and customer engagement strategies.
  • Expanded B2B relationships to enhance cooperation, participation, and revenue streams.
  • Supervised team of six employees, overseeing HR functions, including hiring, training, payroll, and labor law compliance.

Co-Founder, Business Development Partner

Ekoterra Textile Ltd.
03.2009 - 07.2016
  • Established and implemented buying strategies, and managed sourcing and production processes. Founded CLEANGLOBE, organic cotton baby clothing brand, achieving successful brand launch and private label production in nine countries, with distribution through 40 sales points.
  • Developed systems and processes to enhance manufacturing efficiency and ensure quality control and organic certification.
  • Led international market development efforts, managed B2B sales, and generated leads through event participation and digital marketing.

Dealer Relations Specialist

British Petroleum (BP) International
  • Managed dealership operations in alignment with corporate objectives and functions.
  • Developed and implemented systems to track customer feedback and satisfaction.

Marketing Specialist

Toros Agri A.S.
  • Oversaw marketing operations for company's irrigation systems portfolio.

Market Research Consultant

American Soybean Association
  • Conducted market research to identify opportunities and trends in soybean-based ingredient sector within Turkish food production industry.
  • Delivered actionable insights and recommendations to drive business growth and competitive advantage in retail sector.

Marketing Research Assistant

Louisiana State University, Agricultural Economics & Agribusiness Department
  • Spearheaded conception and composition of project proposal funded by USDA
  • Secured funding for project aimed at transforming $2 million worth of crawfish industry waste
  • Managed project from inception to completion, ensuring successful execution and attainment of project objectives
  • Co-authored scientific publications based on project findings
  • Presented project outcomes in international meetings, contributing to knowledge dissemination and industry advancement

Education

Master of Science (MSc) - Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness

LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY
Baton Rouge, LA, USA

Bachelor of Science (BS) - Molecular Biology and Genetics

BOSPHORUS UNIVERSITY (First American University Outside The USA)
Istanbul, Turkiye

Certificate - Nutrition and Health: Human Microbiome

Wageningen University and Research

Skills

  • EU Food Market Knowledge
  • Business Development and Planning
  • Budget Planning and Control
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Sales operations
  • Contract Negotiation
  • Marketing Expertise
  • Channel Management
  • Critical Thinking
  • Communication and Interpersonal Skills
  • Leadership and People Development
  • Effective Decision Making

Personal Information

Nationality: Italian / Turkish

Languages

English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Turkish
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Italian
Upper intermediate (B2)
German
Elementary (A2)

Timeline

Partner, Business Development

Ekoterra Food Srl
01.2022 - Current

Business Consultant

EIT Food Team-Up Program
06.2021 - 11.2021

Channel Engagement Manager

Topcon Agriculture SpA
01.2017 - 03.2020

Co-Founder, Business Development Partner

Ekoterra Textile Ltd.
03.2009 - 07.2016

Founder, Managing Partner

Ekoterra Food Ltd.
01.2004 - 07.2016

Dealer Relations Specialist

British Petroleum (BP) International

Marketing Specialist

Toros Agri A.S.

Market Research Consultant

American Soybean Association

Marketing Research Assistant

Louisiana State University, Agricultural Economics & Agribusiness Department

Master of Science (MSc) - Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness

LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

Bachelor of Science (BS) - Molecular Biology and Genetics

BOSPHORUS UNIVERSITY (First American University Outside The USA)

Certificate - Nutrition and Health: Human Microbiome

Wageningen University and Research
Aylin Özayan