New Executive Creative Director Appointed at Publicis Groupe Turkey

Publicis Groupe Turkey has announced the appointment of a new Executive Creative Director (ECD) who will be responsible for overseeing the operations of all creative agencies under the group’s umbrella. With over 15 years of experience in communication and advertising sectors, Gurkan Gurel has been named the ECD for Publicis Groupe Turkey.

Gurel began his career in 2010, focusing on creative event design and worked with leading communication leaders in the industry until 2013. He specialized in digital PR, social media, and digital communication strategies. Gurel then transitioned to advertising, joining Tick Tock Boom where he served as Creative Director for nine years. During his tenure, he developed campaigns for prominent brands such as Ford, BMW, MINI, Turkish Airlines, BNP Paribas, TEB, Bridgestone, Lassa, Xiaomi, Land Rover, TCL, TECNO, and Ford Trucks. His work earned him over 400 awards, including accolades from Golden Drum, Mixx Europe, Kristal Elma, Stevie’s, and Felis, and he has also served as a jury member for numerous prestigious competitions.

Commenting on Gurel’s appointment, Volkan Dalkilic, CCO of Publicis Groupe Turkey, stated, "Gurkan has been a companion both in my own career journey and in my long years of jury duties in many important competitions. Moreover, with his achievements on both national and international platforms, he stands out as one of the brightest and most active creative directors in Turkish advertising. With Gurkan joining us as Executive Creative Director this month, I am confident that we will accomplish many successful projects together."

In his new role, Gurel will oversee the creative operations of all agencies under Publicis Communications, including Leo Burnett, Publicis Istanbul, Saatchi & Saatchi, and Digitas, as well as other autonomous agencies established based on specific brand needs.

The appointment of Gurel marks a significant move for Publicis Groupe Turkey, reflecting their commitment to enhancing creative output and operational excellence across their agencies. Gurel’s extensive background and proven track record in the industry are expected to drive innovation and success in their campaigns and creative strategies.

With the addition of Gurel to their leadership team, Publicis Groupe Turkey aims to further strengthen its position in the advertising sector, leveraging Gurel’s expertise to deliver impactful and award-winning campaigns for their clients. His vision and leadership are anticipated to bring a fresh perspective to the group’s creative processes and client engagement strategies.

As Gurel takes on his new responsibilities, the industry will be watching closely to see how his influence will shape the future of Publicis Groupe Turkey’s creative agencies and their contributions to the global advertising landscape.