Merver’s Journey as Business Development Coordinator

Thursday, July 31, 2025

Please explain your career development at Mondelēz International, your key responsibilities and how you contribute to its purpose and mission.

My journey with Mondelēz began in 2012, shortly after Kraft Foods transitioned to Mondelēz International. My work anniversary aligns closely with our annual Purpose Day, a meaningful reminder of our shared mission. After graduating, I spent two years in Singapore as a Project Officer, which gave me foundational experience in project management. Upon returning to Turkey, I joined Mondelēz, one of the top FMCG companies that I had been following with great interest.

Over my 12 years here, I have contributed to numerous cross-functional projects, gaining experience across various categories such as Gum, Candy, and Chocolate, and supporting different regions. My roles have spanned multiple departments, including Marketing, Customer Service & Logistics, Business Development, Regulatory, Product & Process R&D, Packaging R&D, Logistics, Trade Marketing, and Finance.

Project management has consistently inspired me, as it allows me to drive initiatives that align with Mondelēz’s purpose of "empowering people to snack right." My passion for learning and my commitment to personal growth have been central to my career. Working alongside colleagues from diverse countries and backgrounds has been both a rewarding and challenging experience, reinforcing my belief that effective communication is key to achieving success and fostering innovation.

Through my work, I aim to contribute meaningfully to Mondelēz’s mission, applying my expertise to ensure that we deliver high-quality products and memorable brand experiences to consumers worldwide.

Can you describe how your role as a Product Change/Commercialisation Manager (PCM) evolved into your current position as a Business Development Coordinator at Mondelēz International?

As a PCM, my primary focus is to support the innovation projects of Marketing that prioritize our BU’s strategic objectives. We ensure that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in line with Mondelēz’s standards.

Transitioning into my current role as a Business Development Coordinator has broadened my perspective, shifting my focus toward operational efficiency, seeking business growth opportunities, effective production planning, and complexity reduction. My engineering background has proven invaluable in this capacity, allowing me to leverage data-driven insights and analytical reviews to drive decision-making and optimize line efficiencies. In this role, I strive to maximize productivity and streamline operations while ensuring project alignment with Mondelēz’s overarching business goals.

Following the strategic reorganization of the gum business in the MEU region, I embraced new challenges as Mondelēz entered a transformative period. With the Gebze plant now serving as a co-manufacturer, quality assurance has become even more critical. Drawing on my experience as a PCM, I have taken a proactive role in leading projects and ensuring that every aspect of production and planning meets our high-quality standards. This new era has provided an opportunity to apply my previous experience to drive growth and innovation in our evolving landscape.

What advice would you give to women looking to enter this field, and any tips you have learned?

My advice to women aspiring to enter this field is to embrace opportunities with confidence and curiosity. The FMCG industry is dynamic, and the ability to adapt quickly, think strategically, and collaborate effectively will open doors to many impactful roles.

One key piece of advice is to build a strong network both inside and outside your organization. Seek out mentors and advocates who can offer guidance and support, and don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek feedback—this can be a powerful way to gain insights and accelerate your growth.

Additionally, I recommend staying proactive in developing both technical and soft skills. For example, sharpening analytical skills can enhance decision-making, while communication and negotiation skills will be invaluable as you navigate cross-functional teams. In my experience, owning your professional development and being open to continuous learning, especially in areas outside of your immediate expertise, can make a significant impact.

Finally, believe in your ability to bring value to the team. While the field can be challenging, it also offers many opportunities for creativity, leadership, and growth. By staying true to your values and strengths, you can contribute meaningfully to your team and make a lasting impact in this industry.

What are some projects that have significantly contributed to your professional growth?

Reflecting on my journey, I can see that numerous projects have played a significant role in my professional growth, each expanding my skills and perspective in unique ways. Two particularly transformative projects stand out:

The first was the Milka Liquid Mass project in the chocolate category, where I worked closely with cross-functional teams to launch a new product. This initiative was unique, marking the first-ever licensing partnership for Mondelēz Turkey. It proved central in developing my leadership abilities and deepening my understanding of our end-to-end business model, from orders to delivery. This experience reinforced the importance of balancing creativity with operational feasibility and highlighted the value of effective communication across diverse teams.

The second was a complex strategic shift in the MEU region, which included overseeing the transition of the Gebze plant to a co-manufacturing facility. Leading this initiative required a strategic mindset, a strong grasp of contract management, and a diligent focus on quality and efficiency. This challenge allowed me to apply my engineering and project management background to streamline processes, optimize planning, and ensure our high-quality standards were maintained.