“ABOUT ME”
Driven by a pioneering spirit and a constant eagerness for groundbreaking endeavors, I thrive on embracing new challenges. My career is marked by several groundbreaking achievements:
- Professional Experience in Marketing:
Spanning 20 years, my career in marketing includes working with both global and local brands. I played a pivotal role in devising and executing digital-centric integrated marketing communication plans for these brands.- 2007: Begun a role as a Digital Strategist at Publicis Group.
- 2009: Established Turkey’s very first social media agency; Utopic Farm.
- 2010: Launched “Blogger’s Base,” a pioneering co-working space for creators.
- 2011: Begun to expand Utopic Farm by securing our first investment.
- 2012: Achieved Utopic Farm’s international expansion by relocating the software team of our agency to North Macedonia.
- 2014: We successfully finished our second investment round and evolved the agency into a comprehensive full-service entity providing all-around services.
- 2018 Career Transition: Ended a significant partnership by transferring my ownership shares to investors, marking the start of my individual professional journey.
- Marketing Director at Penti, Turkey’s premier women’s brand with a global presence in 600 stores, I oversaw the brand’s digital transformation and marketing strategies.
- Following this, I served as the Marketing Director at Hopi, Turkey’s sole Retail Martech, Fintech & Loyalty Super App Brand. My leadership was instrumental in Hopi’s transformation, rebranding, and product revamp, culminating in its relaunch.
- As of 2024: Consultancy & Partnerships
With nearly 20 years of experience in Marketing, Technology, and HR, I founded VVP, a company that offers executive consultancy through a network of top-tier partners.
Concurrently, I have maintained an active academic path:
- Education and Academia:
- 2009: Founded Turkey’s first academic social media programme at Kadir Has University. Managed over a decade. Graduated 1000+ professional to sector.
- 2010: Completed my M.A. thesis on “Reputation Management on Social Media” at Marmara University.
- Since 2014: Pursuing a Ph.D. in Communication Studies, focusing on the impact of the Internet of Things, AI, and disruptive technologies on the marketing industry.
- 2014: Founded the first “IoT Academy” at Kadir Has University.
- In addition, I continue to lecture at various academic institutions and present keynotes at professional events.
Since 2004, I have been documenting my comprehensive knowledge and experiences in the fields I specialize in on my blog, yicit.com, recognized as Turkey’s second oldest and most awarded personal blog.
- Date of BirthNovember 18th 1985
- LanguagesEnglish
- HobbiesVespa, Table Tennis, Fitness, AI Prompting
- Personal Blogyicit.com
Testimonials
Yiğit is a true expert in his field, and his unwavering dedication to helping others succeed is truly inspiring. I feel incredibly fortunate to have him as a friend and I recommend him to anyone seeking guidance, support, and inspiration in their own professional journey.
“Marketing Cloud Country Lead at Salesforce, Ex-LinkedIn”
Orçun Fıstık
Yiğit’s strategic mindset and leadership skills were instrumental in the success of our transformation. He wrote, led, and managed the strategy that enabled us to adapt to the changing landscape and emerge stronger than ever. His passion for the job was infectious and inspired the team to work towards our common goal.
Above all, Yiğit is a great person to work with. He is approachable, communicative, and always willing to lend a helping hand. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work alongside him and learn from his expertise. I have no doubt that Yiğit will continue to excel in his future endeavors and I highly recommend him to any organization seeking a talented and dedicated Marketing Director.”
“Digital Transformation Director at TAV Operation Services”
Ersin Üstsoy
“IT Director at Penti”
Fırat Akın
“Professor at Nişantaşı University”
Gresi Sanje
“Management Consultant, Board Member BRM Bosph. Uni. Businesspeople Assc.”
Sedef Gürsel
For me, Yiğit is one of the most trusted young professionals in the Turkish Online Communications sector. I’ve never seen him fail a campaign or a project that he works on.
I truly believe that he has the ability to achieve good, creative, and unique ideas in his field. Combined with his work ethic, result-driven personality, and a good understanding of marketing and communications he will surely achieve much more in the future.
“Digital Communications Director at 4129Grey & Ogilvy – AKQA Istanbul”
Sera Aktüre
In the digital marketing business, Yiğit is the kind of person you’d like to realize your project with his knowledge, experience, and positive attitude.
He is fast, resourceful, and as well as a solution provider. Especially with his experience in social media management, he creates value for your campaigns and brands.
“VP, CMO ex-TBWA, ex-Netmarble”
Zehra Tuğçe Erül
I met Yiğit while Utopic Farm did its market research in Macedonia. What I saw in him and experienced with him is an ambitious project fulfillment manager and an up-to-date communicator.
All in all a person whom I would allow to rum my communications department – especially in the field of social media! Cooperating with Yiğit was a wonderful experience.
“Marketing Manager at Seavus”
Marina Domazetovska
Yiğit has a passion for his field and the best important thing is to learn more about it. He is doing well about following new global social media practices, new tools &, etc.
He is really good at feeding himself from the internet environment and that is why he rocks in social media campaigns!
I have a great pleasure to know him. With his solid standing and perfect personality.
“CPO at REM People”
Tolga Arıcan
Yiğit has been one of my most qualified students I ever had while teaching at Istanbul Bilgi University. Resourceful, cordial, creative and team worker person he is. I highly recommend him.
“Professor of Media and Journalism Studies”
Erkan Saka
Keywords & statements for Mr. Kalafatoğlu as a lecturer:
Visionary. Social media trendsetter. Personal brand. Great know-how. Highly intellectual. Professional at social media strategies. Warm-hearted to his students and open-minded.
“Content Marketing Specialist, Cartoonist”
Ece Burgaz