TOA Awards 2026 Finalists - Professional Excellence
- Written by Admin TOA
- Published in Professionals
The **Professional Excellence** category recognizes accomplished professionals whose expertise, leadership, and dedication have distinguished them within their respective industries. These finalists have demonstrated exceptional performance, innovation, and professional integrity while making meaningful contributions to their organizations and advancing the reputation of Turkish professionals on the global stage.
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## Hakan Aktaş
**Manager, Arkas Logistics USA**
Hakan Aktaş is the Manager of Arkas Logistics USA, where he has played a key role in establishing and expanding the company's U.S. operations. Through his leadership in logistics, supply chain management, and international trade, he has helped strengthen commercial connections between Türkiye and the United States while delivering customized logistics solutions to global clients.
**Profile:** [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hakan-aktas-26939476](https://www.linkedin.com/in/hakan-aktas-26939476)
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## Haldun Dinççetin
**Senior Partner, FINN Partners**
Haldun Dinççetin is a Senior Partner at FINN Partners with more than two decades of experience in strategic communications, public affairs, tourism, and international brand management. Throughout his career, he has advised governments, global brands, and multinational organizations on communications strategy, reputation management, and stakeholder engagement, earning recognition as one of the leading communications professionals in the industry.
**Profile:** [https://www.finnpartners.com](https://www.finnpartners.com)
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## Hande Aksoy
**Managing Director, Global Client Partnerships, Meta**
Hande Aksoy is Managing Director of Global Client Partnerships at Meta, where she leads strategic partnerships with some of the world's largest global brands. With previous executive leadership roles at Coca-Cola, Unilever, and Carlsberg, she has built an exceptional career in global marketing, brand strategy, and digital transformation. She also serves on the Advertising Hall of Fame Council of Judges, reflecting her influence within the global advertising industry.
**Profile:** [https://www.linkedin.com/in/handeaksoy](https://www.linkedin.com/in/handeaksoy)
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## Özgür Karaosmanoğlu
**Senior Vice President, Raymond James Global Wealth Management**
Özgür Karaosmanoğlu is Senior Vice President at Raymond James Global Wealth Management, where he has spent more than three decades advising clients on investment strategy, wealth management, and financial planning. Widely respected for his expertise and integrity, he has also been an active leader within the Turkish American community through numerous nonprofit and professional organizations.
**Profile:** [https://www.raymondjames.com/wealthmanagers/our-team/bio?_=Ozgur.Karaosmanoglu](https://www.raymondjames.com/wealthmanagers/our-team/bio?_=Ozgur.Karaosmanoglu)
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## Pınar Kip Williamson
**Executive Vice President, State Street**
Pınar Kip Williamson is an Executive Vice President at State Street and a globally recognized technology and operations executive. Throughout her distinguished career, she has led enterprise-wide transformation initiatives involving artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and operational resilience. A graduate of MIT and Harvard Business School, she is recognized as one of the leading executives in global financial technology and operations.
**Profile:** [https://www.dtcc.com/annuals/2020/bios/pinar-kip/](https://www.dtcc.com/annuals/2020/bios/pinar-kip/)
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## Şamil Özavar
**Senior Vice President, Strategy & Innovation, Innovative Food Technologies**
Şamil Özavar is a food scientist, inventor, and innovation executive with more than 30 years of experience in the food and beverage industry. As Senior Vice President of Strategy & Innovation, he has led the development of award-winning functional food products and holds multiple patents in food technology. His work continues to influence innovation in nutrition, product development, and consumer health.
**Profile:** [https://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Article/2024/05/30/Cibo-Vita-stays-ahead-in-smart-snacking-with-scientific-backing-cutting-edge-tech/](https://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Article/2024/05/30/Cibo-Vita-stays-ahead-in-smart-snacking-with-scientific-backing-cutting-edge-tech/)
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## Selçuk Karabaşoğlu
**Chief Executive Officer, AJ Worldwide**
Selçuk Karabaşoğlu is the Chief Executive Officer of AJ Worldwide, a global freight forwarding and logistics company. Beginning his career in sales, he rose through the organization over two decades to lead one of the industry's respected international logistics firms. His leadership has driven growth across freight forwarding, warehousing, customs brokerage, and global supply chain solutions.
**Profile:** [https://turkofamerica.com/business/item/5429-from-the-sales-floor-to-the-ceo%E2%80%99s-office-selcuk-karabasoglu%E2%80%99s-two-decade-rise-at-a-j-worldwide](https://turkofamerica.com/business/item/5429-from-the-sales-floor-to-the-ceo%E2%80%99s-office-selcuk-karabasoglu%E2%80%99s-two-decade-rise-at-a-j-worldwide)
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## Selen Ocal
**Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis, Kate Spade New York**
Selen Ocal is Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis at Kate Spade New York, where she supports financial strategy, budgeting, and business performance for one of the world's leading fashion brands. Her expertise in financial planning and retail operations contributes to strategic decision-making within the global luxury fashion industry.
**Profile:** [https://www.linkedin.com/in/selen-ocal-87b8563b/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/selen-ocal-87b8563b/)
Harika, şimdi listeyi görüyorum. Aşağıda **Professional Excellence – Part 2**'yi, önceki sayfalarla aynı editoryal standartta hazırladım. İçerik, paylaştığın bilgiler temel alınarak düzenlenmiştir.
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## Selim Batıbay
**Head of Commodities Sales, Americas, Macquarie Group**
Selim Batıbay is Head of Commodities Sales for the Americas at Macquarie Group, one of the world's leading infrastructure investors and financial services institutions. He specializes in commodities markets, risk management, and strategic client advisory, helping global corporations navigate complex energy and commodity markets. His leadership has strengthened Macquarie's presence across North and South America while supporting clients with innovative financial solutions.
**Profile:** [https://www.linkedin.com/in/selim-batibay-0964591/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/selim-batibay-0964591/)
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## Serhan Seçmen
**Global Head of CLO Business, Napier Park Global**
Serhan Seçmen is Global Head of the CLO Platform at Napier Park Global, where he leads one of the industry's premier structured credit investment businesses. With extensive expertise in collateralized loan obligations, credit analytics, and institutional asset management, he has earned international recognition for building innovative investment strategies. Beyond finance, he actively supports educational initiatives benefiting students in Türkiye through philanthropic leadership.
**Profile:** [https://www.tpfund.org/serhan-secmen/](https://www.tpfund.org/serhan-secmen/)
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## Solita Marcelli
**Global Head of Investment Management, UBS Global Wealth Management**
Solita Marcelli is Chief Investment Officer Americas at UBS Global Wealth Management, overseeing investment strategy for more than $1.8 trillion in client assets. A highly respected voice in global financial markets, she regularly provides strategic market insights to investors and financial institutions worldwide. Throughout her career, she has championed innovation, diversity, and excellence in wealth management and global investment strategy.
**Profile:** [https://www.americanbanker.com/news/2025-the-most-powerful-women-in-finance-no-21-solita-marcelli-ubs](https://www.americanbanker.com/news/2025-the-most-powerful-women-in-finance-no-21-solita-marcelli-ubs)
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## Turgut Kışınbay
**Chief U.S. Economist, Invesco Asset Management**
Turgut Kışınbay is Chief U.S. Economist at Invesco Asset Management, where he provides macroeconomic analysis and investment guidance for global markets. Previously serving as an economist at the International Monetary Fund and OppenheimerFunds, he has developed extensive expertise in monetary policy, global economic trends, and fixed income markets. His research continues to shape investment decisions for institutional investors around the world.
**Profile:** [https://www.invesco.com](https://www.invesco.com)
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## Uğur Aksu
**Managing Director, Barsan Global Logistics**
Uğur Aksu is Managing Director of Barsan Global Logistics, overseeing the company's operations throughout the Americas. Having spent more than two decades with Barsan, he has successfully expanded international logistics, freight forwarding, and supply chain solutions while strengthening the company's global footprint. His leadership has positioned Barsan among the leading logistics providers serving international markets.
**Profile:** [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ugur-aksu-625a267/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ugur-aksu-625a267/)
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## Uğur Caymaz
**Global Head of Sales, DL1961**
Uğur Caymaz is Global Head of Sales at DL1961, where he leads worldwide commercial strategy for one of the premium denim industry's most recognized brands. With previous leadership roles at Mavi and 34 Heritage, he has built an exceptional career in fashion, brand development, and international retail partnerships. His expertise combines strategic sales leadership with deep knowledge of the premium apparel market.
**Profile:** [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ugur-caymaz-a144b282/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ugur-caymaz-a144b282/)
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## Ülkü Rowe
**Chief Information Officer, Commercial, Lloyds Banking Group**
Ülkü Rowe serves as Chief Information Officer for Commercial Banking at Lloyds Banking Group, leading technology strategy, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and enterprise innovation. Widely recognized as one of the world's leading technology executives in financial services, she has built a distinguished career transforming complex global organizations through innovation while actively promoting diversity and inclusion within the technology sector.
**Profile:** [https://www.wired.com/story/this-woman-exec-beat-google-in-court-and-hopes-others-follow/](https://www.wired.com/story/this-woman-exec-beat-google-in-court-and-hopes-others-follow/)
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