“ABOUT ME”
I am a pioneer at heart with a curious eye always on the lookout for the next big thing and a great appetite to take it on as a challenge.
Thus I have accumulated a number of firsts .
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.”
Testimonials
I know Yiğit for several years now, and I can confidently say that he is one of the most knowledgeable and inspiring marketing professionals I have ever met. Despite never having worked with him directly at Salesforce, Yiğit has provided me with guidance that has helped me grow both professionally and personally in the region.
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
I had the pleasure of working with Yiğit during a period of immense transformation for our company, Penti, and I can confidently say that he was one of the driving forces behind our success. As Marketing Director, he was able to change the brand identity of Penti and steer our vision towards an ecommerce business model during the pandemic period.
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
I had the pleasure of working closely with Yiğit at Penti. As marketing director, Yiğit played a crucial role in leading digital and omni-channel transformation efforts that successfully positioned us for success in the e-commerce space, especially during the challenging Covid-19 era.
Yiğit’s empathetic leadership, strategic vision, and strong understanding of IT infrastructure were instrumental in inspiring our team to pursue excellence. I am grateful for the invaluable experience of working with Yiğit and have no doubt that he will continue to achieve great success in the future.
“IT Director at Penti”
Fırat Akın
I couldn’t choose my relationship with Yigit. He was my student, then he was my client, then he became a guest speaker at my master’s program, and tutored workshops together.
I witnessed his career growth and success. He is a great manager, one of the few marketing professionals with skilled and frigital marketing intelligence.
He is always up to date, always curious, and a step ahead. As a person, Yigit has a social mindset and is sensitive to the environment we live in. It is always a pleasure to work with Yigit.
“Professor at Nişantaşı University”
Gresi Sanje
I have worked very closely with Yiğit for over 2 years during my time as a strategic business consultant to Utopic Farm. It was a pleasure and inspiration to work with a professional/scholar who is so passionate about his line of business.
Yiğit is one of the pioneers of social meda ecosystem in Turkey and continues to shape it with his vision and appetite for progress. He is always one step ahead of the market and hence the success of his digital marketing initiatives. I commend Yiğit for his integrity and consider all those who will work with him very lucky.
“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
