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About Serkan

A versatile product leader whose career is defined by his ability to merge the realms of business strategy and technological innovation. With a foundation in electrical-electronics engineering and an MBA specializing in marketing and business management, he has consistently demonstrated his prowess in navigating the complex landscape of AI and ML to deliver customer-centric solutions. His journey through esteemed organizations such as XING, Zalando, HeyJobs, and Yandex showcases a trajectory of transformative leadership, pioneering product development, and a deep commitment to mentoring the next generation of product managers. The following timeline encapsulates Serkan’s significant milestones and contributions to the tech industry, highlighting his evolution from a hands-on engineer to a strategic leader shaping the future of product management.

2022 – Present

Director of Product & UX, NEW WORK SE / XING

Serkan leads a dynamic team, focusing on job search, recommendations, and AI-driven product improvements, achieving remarkable user engagement and job interaction growth.

2020 – 2022

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.

2019 – 2020

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.

2017 – 2019

Head Of Search, Global Fashion Group

Serkan managed the development of next-gen search and recommendation engines for GFG & Rocket Internet ventures, significantly increasing user engagement and conversion rates.

2015 – 2017

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.

2012 – 2015

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.

2010 – 2013

MBA, Bilkent University

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.

2011 – 2012

Project & Product Manager, Nokta Media

Serkan led teams for leading video platforms and mobile apps, driving content innovation and user engagement.

2008 – 2012

Freelance Product Consultant

Serkan provided consulting and product support for startups, aiding in their early growth and development stages.

2006 – 2010

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.