Bulent E.

Bulent E.

Senior Project/Product Manager

Istanbul, Turkey
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About Me

With 25 years of international experience in project and product management consulting and digital transformation, Bulent has worked with multicultural, blue-chip international companies in retail, telecommunications, media, technology, and fintech. He has been engaged in IoT, AI, and Smart Contracts projects across the globe, including UK, US, Germany, France, CIS, and the Gulf, offering his technical and managerial expertise in executive-level engagements and serving as a trusted advisor to Cxx-level executives. Bulent is currently the co-founder and CTO of CornerBox, where he is at the forefront of transforming the retail landscape through innovative technology, and he is also a managing partner of Krossdelta, providing outsourcing services in AI and Blockchain/Web3/Crypto for various talent networks.

Work history

UpStack
UpStack
Senior Project/Product Manager
2020 - Present (5 years)
Remote
  • Creating a list of backlog items and prioritizing them based on the overall strategy and business objectives, making the list accessible and available to all stakeholders.

  • Prioritizing needs in terms of product features and aligning them with the stakeholders' feedback, acting as a primary communicator and link between stakeholders.

  • Overseeing product development and communicating with the development team for planning, reviewing, and refining the requirements.

Agile Product Management Agile Project ManagementBlockchainScrumJIRAAsanaSmart ContractsInternet of Things (IoT) Artificial IntelligencePythonCrypto Web3
CornerBox Retail Tech
CornerBox Retail Tech
Co-founder & CTO
2024 - Present (1 year)
Remote
  • Transforming the retail landscape through innovative technology.

  • Working to revolutionize shopping and inventory management with Autonomous Convenience Retail Points (ACRP).

  • Using AI and Machine Learning to offer 24/7 retail solutions to make shopping effortless, safer, and more accessible.

Retail Inventory Management Shopping Machine LearningArtificial IntelligenceCTO Business Innovation
Krossdelta Consulting
Krossdelta Consulting
Managing Partner
2015 - Present (10 years)
Remote
  • Managing digital transformation projects, including program management for various enterprise applications such as web shops, CRM, EAI, and ERP.

  • Working with supervised learning and generative networks, in particular, in AI.

  • Using Scrum principles for various projects like ERP, CRM, EAI, eCommerce, and web store optimization in challenging environments and large corporations.

  • Managing and developing projects in Blockchain and distributed ledger technology (DLT)-related enterprise solutions, cryptocurrencies, and decentralized finance projects.

  • Performing user research, prototyping, and A/B testing to develop a mobile app product design using service design thinking.

  • Managing privacy and cybersecurity, focusing on implementation of GDPR compliance.

  • Designing and delivering bank loyalty programs, NFT-gated projects, and customer engagement programs.

  • Working on projects in a hands-on technical management capacity using Node.js, React, Java, and Python for large banking, insurance, and fintech companies.

Digital TransformationProgram managementWeb Shops CRM Enterprise Application Integration (EAI) ERPGenerative AI ScrumeCommerce BlockchainDistributed Ledgers Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Decentralized Finance (DeFi) User ResearchPrototypingA/B TestingService DesignDesign ThinkingProduct DesignCyberSecurityGDPRPrivacy Loyalty ProgramsBanking & Finance Non-fungible Tokens (NFT) Customer Engagement Node.jsReact JavaPythonInsuranceFinTech
Aktif Bank
Aktif Bank
Strategy & Business Development Managing Director
2013 - 2015 (2 years)
Istanbul, Turkey
  • Managed the fintech ecosystem development of the bank, involved in program management using Scrum.

  • Designed AI-based decision support systems for credits and managed digital products.

  • Owned customer experience management efforts and digital banking channels, creating omnichannel strategic maps for bank services.

Business DevelopmentFinTechScrumProgram managementBanking & Finance Artificial IntelligenceDigital Product Management Customer Experience Management Digital Banking Omnichannel Marketing Business Modeling Design ThinkingHuman-centered Design (HCD) Product & Service DesignLeanGap AnalysisStrategy Development Business Strategy
Turk Telekom
Turk Telekom
Digital Business Development Manager
2012 - 2013 (1 year)
Istanbul, Turkey
  • Developed PaaS and SaaS services and managed the cloud strategy.

  • Created a digital strategy and implemented Scrum project management.

  • Designed and oversaw the project's incubation program.

  • Developed the ecosystem of digital advertising and direct marketing, content, transactional marketplaces, and respective partnership and business models.

  • Worked on business modeling of a national semantic context-based search engine.

Peppers and Rogers Group (now TTEC)
Peppers and Rogers Group (now TTEC)
Senior Consultant
2008 - 2011 (3 years)
Remote
  • Maintained multimillion-dollar engagements for customer-centered solutions and managed the accounts and teams in marketing and sales, including the operational efficiency in retail, telecom, and the Foreign Service Institute (FSI).

  • Provided headcounts and managed budgets for the assigned accounts.

  • Worked on business development in Caspian/CIS and Middle Eastern markets.

  • Delivered loyalty, commercial value proposition, and data analytics projects.

Business DevelopmentAgile MethodologiesTelecommunications Customer Experience Management MarketingCustomer Retention Loyalty Management Customer Segmentation CRM Design Data Strategy Data Analytics Banking
Pegasystems
Pegasystems
Senior Consultant
2007 - 2008 (1 year)
Remote
  • Delivered successful projects that aided the business process and changed the management within FSI in Europe and the US in government and telecommunication sectors.

  • Implemented PMI-based project management, managing the business process and RPA cases related to forecasting experiences.

  • Developed business and presales for financial markets in London, Frankfurt, and NYC and oversaw an international virtual team.

PMIRobotic Process Automation (RPA)Business Processes Commercial Finance Telecommunications Pega
STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics
Customer Support & Engagement
2003 - 2005 (2 years)
Remote
  • Handled customer interactions for consumer electronics clients.

  • Managed the project and administered multiple internal and external parties for long-term program cases.

  • Contributed to product development for consumer electronics, gaining experience in microelectronics and video and communication protocols.

  • Supervised an international team and oversaw the accounts.

Customer Support Integrated Circuits Video Production Microelectronics Consumer Electronics
SAP
SAP
Software Developer
2001 - 2002 (1 year)
Remote
  • Managed supply chain management and CRM projects in Europe in the fields of retail, FMCG, telecom, and manufacturing.

  • Developed an SAP direct store delivery front end using Java.

  • Worked on the mobile infrastructure for the product team.

  • Managed proposals for several prospects for professional services engagements.

  • Developed CRM modules in ABAP, Java, and R/3 implementations.

Portfolio

Product Management for Post-perimeter Cybersecurity Product
Product Management for Post-perimeter Cybersecurity Product

Managed the project and release lifecycle for a post-perimeter cybersecurity product on iOS and Android. The client asked for the delivery of solutions for post-perimeter IoT and BYOD for global accounts. Managed the product development team and the project in Scrum methodology. The application is based on endpoint security, mobile device management, antiphishing, and integrations to Microsoft Intune, XenMobile, AirWatch, and similar systems.

Crypto-based Loyalty Program in Dubai
Crypto-based Loyalty Program in Dubai

Served as a product owner of a global crypto-based loyalty program for a MENA real estate developer and lifestyle provider. Took product ownership of the loyalty and referral platform using Scrum methodologies that harnessed several businesses of the client in real estate, hospitality, and entertainment industry in the Middle East. The project entailed a CRM 360 system and Salesforce integration using ERC-20 cryptocurrency as a payment medium. Managed a team of 55 members in a dozen countries.

Fintech Platform for Algorithmic Trading
Fintech Platform for Algorithmic Trading

Led the project for an algorithmic trading platform that is a marketplace for MetaTrader algorithms and robots. The platform is based on robots that are running on MetaTrader, and further versions will include a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) on demand for faster processing. This marketplace is an internal marketplace for fintech clients.

Metaverse for Pets Petto.io
Metaverse for Pets Petto.io

Managed the project for an Unreal-based world machine-generated, world-based play-to-earn, NFT-based game that has an IRL impact on endangered species. The application has NFT-based avatars that will be materialized in an unreal arena for PVP challenges and other quests. Defined the product and managed the metaverse definition with Unreal Engine.

Supply Chain Provenance Using Hyperledger Blockchain
Supply Chain Provenance Using Hyperledger Blockchain

Built and deployed a Hyperledger implementation for supply chain provenance on tracking goods from the farmer to the silos. The client demanded a solution for real-time tracking of quality management metrics in an immutable environment. Deployed Hyperledger Sawtooth that was also in line with their front-end IoT sensors.

Banking Mobile App Service Design
Banking Mobile App Service Design

Led a project for a loyalty companion mobile app for a major bank including service design prototyping and delivery. A major bank in Turkey requested a revamp of its loyalty program. Proposed a new concept and subsequently led a team of developers and designers on its implementation, successfully delivering the application on time and within budget.

Retail Store Location Optimization Using AI
Retail Store Location Optimization Using AI

Led a team and the development of a retail store location optimization for a data analytics group. A telecommunications operator needed an AI-based optimization model for the location of its retail stores. Owned the team's deployment and created the model using Keras and TensorFlow for regression.

Web Store Management
Web Store Management

Managed the transformation project for a web store configuration for 120 markets for a major FMCG company. It included Scrum-based team management, backlog management, and refining the requirements from market business units. Oversaw the entire web store project management and customizations.

Project Management
Project Management

Managed the ERP implementation for the manufacturing of durable packaging. Managed ERP requirements, collecting, refining, and prioritizing them according to the SAP Business One system and manufacturing add-on specifications. Developed the dashboard for Monday.com so the entire team could receive activity updates.

Video-on-demand App Service Design
Video-on-demand App Service Design

Led a team for a broadcaster's mobile app service design for a video-on-demand app. The client requested a mobile app for its own new video-on-demand service. Managed the team and conducted service design workshops for the experience with users as well as the management of the design team.

SAP SD/MM/PP Implementation for a Food Industry Player
SAP SD/MM/PP Implementation for a Food Industry Player

Led the PMO team during an SAP implementation for an international food manufacturer specializing in hazelnuts. The client required a landscape transformation of their legacy systems using SAP R/3 models. Led the PMO team in an international capacity over two major time zones.

Blockchain Network
Blockchain Network

Product management for a Blockchain network forked from Cosmos Network. Managed the product for DeFi and the underlying DAO-based network for a Blockchain company. Defined PRDs and Smart Contracts-driven DeFi apps. Managed the backlog and definition of the product specs and managed teams.

SAP S4 Implementation
SAP S4 Implementation

Managed the landscape transformation for a major food company for their SAP transformation from R/3 to S4 Hana. Oversaw PMO and CR management and helped gather functional requirements. Managed the project for the implementation of Brownfield landscape S4.

DeFi Dapp
DeFi Dapp

Managed the project and defined the product for a DeFi dapp for a CEX that is focused on farming and lending of cryptos as well as further DeFi products such as NFTs and Synthetix. Was responsible for whitepaper management, roadmap management, and initiative definition.

Digitized Service Kiosk Design
Digitized Service Kiosk Design

Led the service design team for a kiosk service using service design techniques. The client demanded an end-to-end service design for a digitized services kiosk terminal experience. Delivered the solution using service design methods.

Real Estate Sales Rep Tracking Mobile App - Emaar
Real Estate Sales Rep Tracking Mobile App - Emaar

Managed a technical team using Scrum to develop a real estate sales rep tracking mobile app and a dashboard for Salesforce analytics. Designed features and oversaw the product management of the mobile app.

Football Ticketing System
Football Ticketing System

Implemented Scrum-based project management of 100 people involving several epics. Led a team of designers and developers to deliver a full-fledged security and venue management solution for a national football association.

GDPR Compliance Program for an Insurance Company
GDPR Compliance Program for an Insurance Company

Led the overall management of a compliance program for GDPR and data governance. Managed the program for GDPR compliance analysis and implementation and a related data governance effort.

GDPR Data Protection Project for a Local Conglomerate
GDPR Data Protection Project for a Local Conglomerate

Led a project for data protection and compliance according to GDPR, working on data classification, anonymization, and management of legal analysis for Article 6.

Document Discovery and Classification
Document Discovery and Classification

The client requested a solution for a layout-based classification on unstructured data of documents. Managed a team developing an OpenCV solution for that.

Education

MBA
MBA
Istanbul Bilgi University - Turkey
2004 - 2006 (2 years)
BSc MIS
BSc MIS
Boğaziçi University - Turkey
1996 - 2001 (5 years)