President: Fethi Ahmet Gel
Birth: Elazığ, January 1, 1970
Education
He received his Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the Faculty of Economics, Istanbul University, where he studied between 1989 and 1994. Later, he pursued a Master’s degree at the Institute of Social Sciences, Istanbul University, completing the program between 2005 and 2007.
Areas of Expertise
Throughout his professional career, he has developed extensive expertise in international finance and investment consultancy, providing strategic guidance and advisory services. He has significant experience in international banking, foreign exchange, and credit transactions, as well as in export-import consultancy services.
He has also gained proficiency in preparing and managing projects supported by the European Union and the World Bank, with a focus on SME and entrepreneurship consulting, business development, and marketing management advisory services. Additionally, he has conducted training programs on entrepreneurship and project preparation, while also providing consultancy services in the field of regional development projects.
Work Experience
Over the years, he has held various managerial and consultancy roles in well-established institutions:
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Çalışma ve İş Kurumu (Turkish Employment Agency): Served as Branch Manager, responsible for overseeing administrative operations and ensuring the effective delivery of public employment services.
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Ziraat Bankası A.Ş.: Worked in the Foreign Affairs Department of the Istanbul Regional Directorate, specifically in the Import-Export Operations Unit, gaining hands-on experience in trade finance, foreign transactions, and international operations.
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Rumeli Holding: Served as an Auditor for the Cement Factories Group, engaged in auditing processes, compliance reviews, and financial oversight of industrial operations.
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İhlas Holding: Contributed to the Import-Marketing and Coordination Department, managing international trade operations, overseeing import-related activities, and coordinating cross-departmental tasks.
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State Planning Organization (DPT), EU Project Preparation Unit: Worked as Assistant Technical Project Coordinator, supporting the preparation, evaluation, and coordination of EU-funded projects.
Foreign Language Skills
He has an excellent command of English, both spoken and written, which he has actively used throughout his international professional and academic career.
International Experience
He has broadened his professional and cultural knowledge through international experiences.
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Lived in New York, USA (2008–2009), where he gained insight into the American business environment and culture.
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Spent 2005–2006 in Nottingham, England, engaging in academic and professional activities that enhanced his understanding of international markets and business practices.
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Traveled extensively to countries including Italy, Germany, Spain, France, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Austria, Greece, and Bosnia, which enriched his intercultural competence and provided a broader perspective on international cooperation.
Duties and Authorities of the Management Board
The Management Board shall perform the following duties:
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Represent the Association or authorize one or more of its members for this purpose,
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Conduct income and expense transactions and prepare the budget for the upcoming period to be submitted to the General Assembly,
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Prepare regulations related to the Association’s activities and submit them to the General Assembly for approval,
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With the authority granted by the General Assembly, purchase immovable property, sell movable and immovable property belonging to the Association, construct buildings or facilities, make lease agreements, and establish mortgages, pledges, or other real rights in favor of the Association,
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Approve the opening of representative offices where deemed necessary,
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Implement the decisions of the General Assembly,
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Prepare the operating account statement or balance sheet and income statement, along with a report on the activities of the Management Board at the end of each fiscal year, and present them to the General Assembly,
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Ensure the implementation of the budget,
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Decide on membership admissions and expulsions,
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Take and implement decisions necessary to achieve the Association’s objectives,
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Perform other duties and exercise other authorities granted by legislation.
Audit Board
The Audit Board is elected by the General Assembly and consists of three principal members and three substitute members.
If a vacancy arises among the principal members due to resignation or other reasons, substitute members are called to duty in the order of votes received in the General Assembly.
Duties and Authorities of the Audit Board
The Audit Board shall, at intervals not exceeding one year, audit in accordance with the procedures and principles set out in the Association’s bylaws:
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Whether the Association operates in line with the objectives stated in its bylaws,
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Whether the books, accounts, and records are kept in compliance with legislation and bylaws.
It shall present the audit results in a report to the Management Board and, when convened, to the General Assembly.
The Audit Board also has the authority to call the General Assembly to a meeting when necessary.