I’m Serkan Baydin, a Product Leader with over 15 years of experience at the intersection of AI, technology, and product management.My journey began in engineering, but quickly grew into a passion for building products that combine human needs with technological possibilities. Over the years, I’ve worked with some of Europe’s leading companies—XING, Zalando, HeyJobs, Yandex, Insider, Statista—where I led teams to design and scale AI-driven products, from search and recommendations to personalization and marketplace discovery.
But not all great products require AI. I believe the essence of product leadership is about understanding people, solving real problems, and delivering measurable impact, whether the solution is powered by cutting-edge AI or a simple, elegant product strategy.
Today, I combine my hands-on leadership experience with my role as a mentor, trainer, and advisor. I help startups, product managers, and organizations:
For me, product management isn’t just about roadmaps and features—it’s about shaping meaningful experiences and preparing businesses to thrive in a future where AI and human creativity work hand in hand.
Where my career has led me
Product Advisory & Trainer
From AI-driven innovation to non-AI product strategy, I help teams grow through mentorship, advisory, and hands-on learning. I run training programs to help product professionals master AI & Product Management.
Head of Product, AI & Discovery, Statista
Serkan leads multiple domains including AI Search, Research AI Chat, Discovery & Content Usage areas.
Serkan led a dynamic team, focusing on job search, recommendations, and AI-driven product improvements, achieving remarkable user engagement and job interaction growth.
Principal Product Lead & GPM, Zalando
As the driving force behind Zalando’s search & browse initiatives, Serkan enhanced query understanding and user experience, significantly boosting key metrics across various product categories with AI driven search technologies.
Data Science Product Lead, HeyJobs
Heading the Data Science & ML organization, Serkan introduced cutting-edge models for job recommendations and budget distribution, leading to significant cost efficiency and user engagement improvements.
Serkan managed the development of next-gen search and recommendation engines for GFG & Rocket Internet ventures, significantly increasing user engagement and conversion rates.
Product Lead & Share-owner, Insider
Leading the largest product group, Serkan revamped the product suite and launched new mobile solutions, significantly impacting the company’s growth and market position.
Search Product Manager & Lead, Yandex
Serkan expertly led multifaceted teams and spearheaded a range of ambitious projects, significantly elevating search engine quality and user experience tailored for the Turkish market. His strategic approach and innovative solutions resulted in remarkable improvements in search performance and user satisfaction, culminating in substantial gains in market share and setting new benchmarks in the industry.
Serkan holds an MBA from Bilkent University (2010 – 2013), with a concentration in Consumer Behavior, Marketing Strategy, and Business Management, enriching his understanding of market dynamics and strategic decision-making.
Project & Product Manager, Nokta Media
Serkan led teams for leading video platforms and mobile apps, driving content innovation and user engagement.
Freelance Product Consultant
Serkan provided consulting and product support for startups, aiding in their early growth and development stages.
BSc in Electrical-Electronics Engineering, Bilkent University
Serkan completed his BSc in Electrical-Electronics Engineering at Bilkent University, delving into Neural Networks, Internet Technologies, and Innovation Management, laying a solid foundation for his technical expertise and innovative approach to product development.