I graduated from the Department of Chemical Engineering at Kocaeli University in 2006. In 2007, I completed my MBA in Marketing at Christ Church University in the United Kingdom. In 2022, I received training in Board Membership and Mentorship at Galatasaray University. In June 2025, I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at International Dublin University, continuing my journey with the motto of “lifelong learning.”
I began my professional career in 2008 in Russia as a Brand Executive at Wrigley’s. Between 2009 and 2011, I worked in China as a Brand Manager at Bank of China. After completing my military service in 2012, I worked at Uçantay Gıda A.Ş., one of the companies within the Kervan Gıda Group, as Sales and Marketing Manager. In 2017, I was promoted to Sales and Marketing Director. In 2020, I continued my career as Business Development Director. Between 2021 and 2025, I served as General Manager at Uçantay Gıda A.Ş.. As of April 2025, I was appointed as an Executive Board Member of Kervan Gıda and its group companies, where I continue to perform my duties. As of May 2026, I have been serving as an Independent Board Member at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group.
Combining my international experience gained across different markets with a strategic perspective in sales, marketing, and business development, I closely follow developments in the business world and also provide “Senior Executive Strategy Consultant” support to companies, guided by the vision of “not doing things right, but doing the right things.”
In line with my interest in economics and management, I write columns as an honorary writer for various publications such as Dünya Gazetesi, Ekonomim, and NextGen CEO.
I am married and have four sons.
My Mission
My mission is to embrace the belief that learning never ends in any field, and with the awareness that I will remain a student until the end of my life, to continuously gain experience and knowledge about the cultures, arts, and cuisines of all societies without exception;
To act in accordance not only with any religious rules, but with all universal ethical principles.
To contribute to the institutionalization of family businesses that shape not only the Turkish economy but also the global economy.
To value every individual without regard to age, gender, or position.
To enable individuals with high EQ (Emotional Quotient) to be effective in leadership positions (such as CEO, Marketing, Sales, and HR Managers), and individuals with high IQ (Intelligence Quotient) to be effective in managerial positions (such as General Managers, IT, Finance, and Accounting Managers), thereby contributing first to talented individuals and ultimately to society as a whole through effective “Talent Management.”
To act with meritocracy in all organizations I am responsible for and can influence (companies, NGOs, public institutions, etc.), and to prioritize merit as the fundamental principle in leadership and managerial appointments.
My Vision
My vision is to live as a global citizen who, until the end of my life, focuses not on “doing things right,” but fundamentally on “doing the right things”; who works to build a sustainable future rather than a short-term daily agenda; who effectively utilizes all possible resources and talents; who is able to be inspired and, in turn, inspires others by touching the lives of people from different parts of the world; and whose passion for learning never fades, embracing the motto of “I am always a student.”
Best regards
Mustafa BAŞAR
