Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Bilgesu Kaya

Amsterdam

Summary

Creative and results-driven social media and brand communication specialist with 10+ years of experience in managing digital strategies for leading financial institutions, agencies, and lifestyle brands. Currently based in Amsterdam, managing freelance social media projects and working as an influencer in collaboration with local and international brands. Expert in content creation, influencer marketing, campaign management, and storytelling across digital platforms. Strong background in brand strategy, ATL/BTL communication, and event planning.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Freelance Social Media Manager

Digital Potato
02.2022 - Current
  • Managed multiple social media platforms, ensuring a consistent brand voice and message.
  • Boosted engagement rates with the creation of compelling and visually appealing content.
  • Monitored social media trends and emerging platforms, adopting new strategies to stay ahead of the competition.
  • Increased brand awareness by developing and implementing effective social media strategies.
  • Coordinated influencer partnerships, leveraging their reach to expand brand visibility.

Influencer

Digital Potato
02.2022 - Current
  • Formulated high-quality written storytelling and visual content for social media campaigns.
  • Crafted authentic sponsored content for brands that resonated with followers, leading to long-term partnerships and collaborations.
  • Hosted live events on social media platforms, fostering community interaction and increasing brand loyalty among followers.

Brand Communication Specialist

Yapı Kredi Bank
10.2018 - 03.2021
  • Led the brand’s full marketing communication strategy including ATL, BTL, digital and influencer campaigns.
  • Managed agency relationships and media planning processes.
  • Coordinated PR, internal comms, and CSR campaigns across the bank.
  • Enhanced brand visibility by developing and executing strategic marketing campaigns.
  • Led training sessions on brand voice development for internal stakeholders to foster a unified message across departments.

Event Specialist

Yapı Kredi Bank
10.2017 - 10.2018
  • Managed high-level internal corporate events across Turkey.
  • Created and executed unique event concepts aligned with brand values.
  • Led onsite execution of events, overseeing setup, breakdown, troubleshooting any issues as they arose while maintaining composure under pressure for a professional outcome every time.
  • Interfaced with clients to understand event objectives.
  • Managed event logistics and operations.
  • Negotiated and worked with venues and vendors to carry out event objectives.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with sponsors and partners, fostering long-term support for events.
  • Analyzed performance and trends to recommend program improvements.

Account Supervisor

Yirmibir Gram Agency
03.2016 - 09.2017
  • Oversaw brand strategy and dark market branding projects for Philip Morris and Chivas Regal.
  • Coordinated with creative teams to develop innovative advertising campaigns that exceeded client expectations.
  • Resolved conflicts between clients and internal teams, fostering a positive working environment focused on collaboration.
  • Provided strategic recommendations and managed agency resources to fulfill client's marketing needs.
  • Managed budget allocation and monitoring, ensuring optimal resource allocation for maximum ROI.

Account Manager

waytosay Agency
02.2015 - 02.2016
  • Developed internal comms strategies and employer branding campaigns.

Marketing Communication Specialist

Garanti Bank
05.2013 - 12.2014
  • Managed campaigns for Garanti’s credit cards including Amex and Miles&Smiles.
  • Handled sponsorships such as Fashion Week and Tennis Challenger events.
  • Deployed strategies across email campaigns, point-of-sale materials and online advertising.
  • Managed successful trade show participation, resulting in increased leads and valuable industry connections.
  • Coordinated public relations efforts, cultivating relationships with key influencers and journalists.
  • Optimized website content, driving organic search traffic and improving overall online presence.

Brand Ambassador

Anadolu Efes
05.2012 - 05.2013
  • Conducted field research and insight reporting for consumer behavior and brand placement.

Education

B.A. - Political Science & International Relations

Istanbul University
01.2012

AFS Exchange Program
Russia
01.2005

High School Diploma -

Usküdar Anatolian High School
01.2007

Skills

  • Social Media Strategy & Management
  • Influencer Marketing & Collaboration
  • Digital Content Creation & Copywriting
  • Brand Communication & Positioning
  • Event & Sponsorship Management
  • Blogging
  • Influencer marketing
  • Instagram

Certification

  • Digital Marketing & Social Media – Mindset Institute, 2018
  • Content Creation & New Media – Hypers Academy, 2021

Languages

Turkish – Native
English – Proficient
Russian – Proficient
Dutch – Beginner

Timeline

Influencer

Digital Potato
02.2022 - Current

Freelance Social Media Manager

Digital Potato
02.2022 - Current

Brand Communication Specialist

Yapı Kredi Bank
10.2018 - 03.2021

Event Specialist

Yapı Kredi Bank
10.2017 - 10.2018

Account Supervisor

Yirmibir Gram Agency
03.2016 - 09.2017

Account Manager

waytosay Agency
02.2015 - 02.2016

Marketing Communication Specialist

Garanti Bank
05.2013 - 12.2014

Brand Ambassador

Anadolu Efes
05.2012 - 05.2013

B.A. - Political Science & International Relations

Istanbul University

AFS Exchange Program

High School Diploma -

Usküdar Anatolian High School
Bilgesu Kaya