Ulker CEO Mete Buyurgan Meets Turkish Students at TurkZone CEO Talks in London
The TurkZone CEO Talks event, a platform aimed at bringing together Turkish students studying in the UK, was held at Bayes Business School in February 2025. Organized in collaboration with the City Turkish Society, the event was moderated by experienced journalist Berfu Guven. During the session, Ulker CEO Mete Buyurgan shared insights on digital transformation, career development, and his leadership experiences with students, offering practical advice for their professional journeys.
Elena Whitmore 
Speaking on the transformative impact of technology in business, Mete Buyurgan highlighted how artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalization are reshaping industries, describing them as “new economic battlegrounds.” He noted that AI integration within companies has accelerated processes significantly, stating that product development cycles, which once took 1.5 years, can now be completed in just 5 minutes. Buyurgan stressed that AI is no longer the sole responsibility of IT departments but a tool that every employee must learn to leverage effectively.
Addressing Global Challenges in the Food Industry
Reflecting on challenges faced during the pandemic, Mete Buyurgan emphasized the importance of resilience in supply chains and praised Turkey’s ability to maintain food availability during global disruptions. Looking toward the future, he warned that with the global population projected to rise by 2050, food production must increase by 65-70%. He identified climate change and population growth as major forces making agriculture a critical sector for future sustainability.
Advice for Young Professionals: Build Experience First
Drawing from his career path, Buyurgan encouraged students to gain corporate experience before venturing into entrepreneurship. Emphasizing the value of learning through experience, he advised, “Learn how to learn,” and recommended building a strong professional foundation within organizations. He noted that entrepreneurship is not limited to launching startups, as companies increasingly value employees who drive innovation from within. Buyurgan also highlighted the importance of specialization, stating that developing deep expertise in a particular field would create significant career advantages in the long term.
"From Brain Drain to Brain Gain" Perspective
In the closing segment, moderator Berfu Guven addressed the topic of young talent leaving Turkey, arguing that it should not be seen as a loss but rather as an opportunity for global influence. She remarked, “We can transform brain drain into brain gain,” encouraging students to see their international experiences as a way to contribute to Turkey’s presence on the global stage.
Networking Opportunities for Students
The TurkZone CEO Talks event provided students with an opportunity to gain insights into the business world while building valuable professional connections. After the session, participants engaged in networking activities, discussing career paths and industry trends with business leaders. TurkZone representatives, including Kerem Ozokur, Alanur Ozokur, Kerem Gunduzkanat, Kaan Can Kimiz, and Ata Akcali, stated that they will continue organizing similar career-focused events to support young talents in their professional growth.
