Can you tell us about your childhood and upbringing? What experiences shaped your journey into leadership?

I grew up as the youngest of four sisters in a family that deeply valued education, resilience, and ambition. My mother is a remarkable woman who also played the role of father, she is strong, and was deeply committed to ensuring that we had every opportunity to succeed and She instilled in us the belief that hard work and perseverance could break any barrier.

What inspired you to pursue a career in business and leadership, and how did your early education contribute to your professional success?

Education was a cornerstone of our upbringing, and my sisters and I pursued our studies at top universities in Turkey, each forging our own paths in different fields. Watching them excel pushed me to set high standards for myself. From an early age, I was determined to carve out my own space in the corporate world, and I embraced every challenge as a stepping stone.

My journey has been one of resilience and determination. I worked my way up by pushing myself out of my comfort zone and choosing assignments that challenges me and sometimes  where women in leadership were the exception rather than the norm.

Professional Journey & Achievements:

Your career path has led you to become the CEO of Gulf Coca-Cola Beverages—can you share the key milestones that brought you to this role?

Throughout my career, I have consistently taken on roles that pushed me beyond my comfort zone. I have often found myself as either the first person to take on a particular role or the only woman to have done so. These experiences have shaped my leadership style, teaching me the value of resilience, adaptability, and the courage to embrace the unknown.

One of the key milestones in my journey was stepping into leadership roles that had no clear blueprint. Each time, I had to navigate uncharted territory, build credibility, and prove that I could deliver results. Whether it was leading a new market, driving a complex transformation, or managing high-stakes operations, I thrived in environments where I had to create the path forward.

Reaching the position of CEO at Gulf Coca-Cola Beverages is a culmination of these bold steps, the lessons learned along the way, and the unwavering belief that growth happens when we dare to go beyond what’s familiar. Today, I am committed to fostering a culture where others, especially women, feel empowered to take on their own ‘firsts’ and redefine what’s possible.

Leading one of the world’s most iconic beverage brands comes with great responsibility. What are the biggest challenges and opportunities you have faced in this role?

Leading the bottling operations for the world’s most iconic beverage brands is both a privilege and a responsibility. It’s a dynamic role that requires balancing operational excellence, innovation, and sustainability while ensuring we deliver the highest quality products to our consumers across the region.

One of the biggest challenges has been navigating the complexities in a rapidly evolving market. From managing global disruptions to ensuring efficiency in production and distribution, every decision impacts our ability to meet consumer demand.

Additionally, as a leader in the bottling industry, we constantly push to drive sustainability initiatives—reducing our environmental footprint, optimizing water and energy use, and innovating packaging solutions that align with our long-term vision.

Investing in digital transformation and automation has allowed us to enhance efficiency and agility in operations. Another key opportunity lies in talent development. I am deeply passionate about creating an inclusive culture where diverse perspectives thrive. Empowering teams, fostering leadership at every level, and ensuring that more women step into key operational roles are priorities that will shape the future of our industry.

Sustainability and innovation are crucial in the beverage industry. How is Gulf Coca-Cola Beverages integrating these elements into its strategy?

Sustainability has always been at the core of our strategies For us in Gulf Coca-Cola Beverages, we have recently inaugurated a Solar Panel plant in our biggest plant in the region, in Al Ain. This Solar Panel plant has been a pivotal milestone in transitioning to renewable energy.– it was such a proud moment for me to see this in action! 3. But apart from that we have various initiatives to eliminate carbon emission from coolers to reduction in packaging weight , from electrical forklifts to optimization of our delivery routes so through our value chain we partner with suppliers partners and customers to enhance our positive impact!

Mission, Vision & Industry Impact:

What is your vision for the company, and how do you see Gulf Coca-Cola Beverages evolving in the future?

My vision for Gulf Coca-Cola Beverages is to build a future-ready, sustainable, and high-performing organization that continues to set new and high benchmarks in the industry. A key pillar of this vision is achieving operational excellence. We are continuously optimizing our bottling and distribution processes through technology, automation, and data-driven decision-making.

Coca-Cola has a massive social and cultural impact—how do you ensure the brand remains connected to local communities while maintaining global standards?

We are not in a position to respond to this question, as we are in bottling operations only.

How does Gulf Coca-Cola Beverages contribute to women’s empowerment, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace?

At Gulf Coca-Cola Beverages, we are deeply committed to fostering a workplace that champions women’s empowerment, diversity, and inclusion. Historically, the beverage manufacturing and bottling industry has been male-dominated, particularly in operational roles. We are actively working to change this by creating more opportunities for women in leadership, supply chain, and technical positions.

Work-Life Balance & Personal Growth:

As a female CEO in a competitive industry, how do you balance the demands of leadership with your personal life?

Balancing the demands of leadership with personal life requires intentionality, discipline, and a strong sense of self-leadership. As a mother of two young children and someone who maintains a very active lifestyle, I have come to appreciate that balance is not about achieving perfection—it’s about leading myself effectively so I can be present and perform at my best in all aspects of life. Self-leadership also means taking care of my physical and mental well-being. Staying active is non-negotiable for me—it gives me the energy, focus, and resilience I need to lead effectively. Whether it’s starting my day with a workout, engaging in outdoor activities with my kids, or simply prioritizing movement, these habits help me stay sharp and balanced.

What are some daily habits or leadership principles that have helped you navigate your career successfully?

1. Lead Self First Before leading others, I believe in mastering self-leadership—knowing my values, maintaining discipline, and making intentional decisions that align with my vision.

2. Take Bold Risks & Step Outside the Comfort Zone I have often been the first or only woman in roles throughout my career, and that has taught me the importance of taking calculated risks. Growth happens when we push past our comfort zones.

3. Empower & Elevate Others True leadership is not about personal success—it’s about creating opportunities, mentoring, and empowering teams to thrive. I make it a priority to uplift others, especially women and young professionals stepping into leadership.

Future Goals & Advice: What are your future goals and aspirations, both for yourself and for Gulf Coca-Cola Beverages

My future goals and aspirations are deeply connected to growth, impact, and creating a lasting legacy—both for myself as a leader and for Gulf Coca-Cola Beverages as an organization.

What advice would you give to aspiring leaders, especially women, looking to break barriers in the corporate world?

Growth and comfort do not coexist. Take on challenges that scare you – whether it’s leading a new project, stepping into an unfamiliar function, or moving into a leadership role before you feel 100% ready.