YİĞİT

YİĞİT KALAFATOĞLU

Marketing Professional

EDUCATION

Istanbul Bilgi University

2014 - Present

Ph.D Candidate in Communication Studies.
Focusing on “Effects of the disruptive technologies on consumer behavior”.

Marmara University

2007-2010

Master of Arts (MA) in Advertising.
“Reputation on Social Media” thesis.

Istanbul Bilgi University

2003-2007

– Major in Advertising
– Minor in Media & Mass Communication Systems

FMV Ayazağa Işık High School

2000-2003

Social Sciences & Mathematics

Southbourne School of English,  England

1997

Advanced Level of English Certificate

“ABOUT ME”

To name a few:

With 18 years of professional experience in the field of marketing, I have worked for both global and local brands. Founded one of the first social media agencies in Turkey in 2009.

Founded the first co-working space for creators called “Blogger’s Base” in 2010. In 2012, we carried out our first international expansion by moving the agency’s software team to North Macedonia.

I led all of these brands’ marketing strategies, establishing digital-focused integrated marketing communication plans and supervising their execution.

In 2018, I terminated my involvement in a partnership by transferring all of my ownership shares to investors and started my professional career.

Previously, I worked for three years at Penti, -Turkey’s largest women’s brand with 600 stores worldwide- as the director responsible for both the brand’s digital transformation and all of its marketing.

Currently, I am the Marketing Director of Hopi, the one and only Retail Martech, Fintech & Loyalty Super App Brand in Turkey.

In the meantime,
I continued my academic career.

I am holding my M. A thesis on “Reputation Management on Social Media” from Marmara University (2010) and several publications on social media, new media, and the future of marketing.

Since 2014, I am pursuing my Ph.D. in Communication Studies focusing on “How the Internet Of Things will affect the Marketing Industry”

I founded Turkey’s first “Social Media Academy” in 2009. The First “IoT Academy” in 2014 at Kadir Has University.

Besides, I am continuing to give lectures in several academic institutions and deliver keynote speeches at events targeted at professionals.

Since 2004, I have been writing about all of my accumulated knowledge and experiences related to the field in which I work and produce, at yicit.com, known as Turkey’s second oldest and most awarded personal blog.”

  • Date of Birth
    November 18th 1985
  • Languages
    English
  • Hobbies
    Vespa, Table Tennis, Fitness, AI Promting
  • Personal Blog
    yicit.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

EXPERIENCE

Marketing Director - HOPİ

2022 to Present

As a director responsible for Hopi’s B2B and B2C assets, I am tasked with transforming the business model and improving the product by introducing new features.

Additionally, I oversee the product’s relaunch, which involves creating a new brand identity, developing a comprehensive strategy, establishing re-positioning, and executing an integrated marketing campaign.

Marketing Director - Penti

2019 to 2022

Integrated Marketing Communications
– Strategic Marketing Planning
– Brand Portfolio Management
– Retail Calender Strategy & Management
– ATL & BTL & Digital & Social & Event
– Media Planning & Buying
– Corporate Communication & PR
– Leader Communication
– Crisis & Reputation Management

Brand Identity Management
– E-Commerce, Mobile, Stores, Social
– Visual Merchandise
– Graphic Design & Production

Customer Experience Management
– Call Center Management
– Operational CRM
– Loyalty Program Management
– Community Management

Digital Transformation
– Unified Commerce Experience Strategy
– Omni-Channel Marketing Activities
– Customer Data Platform (CDP) Management
– Marketing Automation & Orchestration

Managing Director - Cosmos Turkey

2018 - 2019

Digital Marketing Campaigns,
– Social Media Campaigns,
– Online-Offline Integrated Solutions
– Sales Oriented Digital Solutions

Design and Production
– Coorparate and Micro Website Solutions
– SEO & SEM
– UI & UX Mobile & Web Services
– Influencer Projects

Managing Director - Utopic Farm

2015 - 2018

Until Full Exit:

– Key Client Relationships
– New Business
– Long-Range Planning
– Human Resources
– Talent Management
– Financial Stability
– Operational Efficiency

Total Account: 100+ in 10 years.

Key Accounts: Served 5+ Years
PENTİ, NIVEA, SELPAK, DİDİ, AKSİGORTA, TURKCELL, BORUSAN HOLDING, BURGER KING, POPEYES, SBARRO, FOX TV, MARS MEDIA CGV GROUP, ŞENPİLİÇ.

Executive VP of Operations - Utopic Farm

2012-2015

– Designing and managing error free work-flows
– Planning the organizational structure.
– Leading the development of brand strategies for all clients.
– Organizing in-house trainings.
– Developing technical competence and communication knowledge of staff.
– Developing tools, processes and reports.
– Responsible for key account management.
– Managing Intelligence & Conversation departments.
– Leading pitch processes from planning to presentation.
– Heading the Executive Committee.

Founder - Utopic Farm

2009-2012

Digital Strategist - Publicis

2007-2009

– Research & Intelligence
– Converting Brand Strategies to Digital
– Creative & Innovative Campaign Production
– Leading Pitch Processes for Digital Ideas.

ContactVIEW ON LINKEDIN

PUBLICATIONS

Digital Transformation in Retail

A Comprehensive RoadMap, 2019

New Media Studies III

Co-Author, Book, 2015

Prospective Paradigm of Marketing Studies: Internet of Things

Ph. D Journal, 2014

Social Media & E-Marketing

Book, 2011

Reputation Management on Social Media

MA Thesis, 2010

ASK FOR MA THESIS

GET IN TOUCH

  • Phone
    0090 542-258-4735
  • E-mail
    yicit@yicit.com

    ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE

    Lecturer at Pearson Turkey

    2018 to 2022

    Lectured “Fundamentals of Digital Marketing” program via Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

    Program Director at Kadir Has University

    2010 to 2020

    I am the founder of the Social Media Academy, which has been Turkey’s first social media education platform under Kadir Has University for over a decade.

    In my role, I have been responsible for conducting research, designing the curriculum, coordinating with lecturers, establishing student relationships, and lecturing core courses.

    Since 2010, I have successfully graduated and certified more than 600 students, and I remain fully committed to advancing this vital educational initiative.

    Program Director at Kadir Has University

    2014 to 2020

    As the founder of the Internet of Things Academy, I believe that it is crucial to reassess the future of marketing in light of the increasing number of internet-connected objects surrounding consumers.

    Brands must be able to adapt and engage in the decision-making process to create value and make informed choices on behalf of their customers.

    In response to this shift in the marketing paradigm, I created this program to thoroughly examine how the principles of marketing will be impacted by the Internet of Things and to explore new approaches to effectively incorporate IoT into marketing strategies.

    Lecturer at Kadir Has University

    2018 to 2020

    Lecturing “Online and Mobile Marketing” course under the New Media Department of Communication Faculty.

    Lecturer at Yeditepe University

    2011 to 2014

    Lectured “Digital Marketing” course under the MBA program.

    ContactVIEW ON LINKEDIN

    HONORS & AWARDS

    ACE Awards

    Achivement in Customer Experience

    BLOG Awards

    Best Personal Blog

    Direct Marketing Awards

    Best Use of Technology

    Facebook Studio Awards

    The Most Efficient Application

    Golden Compass Awards

    The Best Microsite, The Best Technology Usage

    Golden Web Awards

    The Best Website, The Best Microsite

    MarTech Awards

    Best Insight Technology, Best VR Campaign

    MediaCat Felis Awards

    Best Film, Best Creative, Best Strategy, Grand Prix, Curious Felis, Best Insight, Jury Special, Best Integrated Markering Campaign, Best OOH, Best Radio Campaign, Bravest Brand, New Technology Usage, Best Usage of User Generated Content, Best Direct Marketing Campaign

    Hammer Awards

    Best Marketing Team, Best Mobile Team, Best Marketing Team in IT, Best Marketing Team in E-Commerce, Best NFT Team, Best Digital Marketing Team

    MIXX Awards

    Brand Destination Sites, Direct Marketing, OOH Digital

    Social Media Awards

    Data Analytics, Best Social Management

    Tech Brands (2021)

    via Nielsen IQ

    LoveMark (2018 & 2022

    via Ipsos