Ayca Comek
Montreal
Summary
Dynamic transformation leader with 20+ years of international experience in marketing, business excellence, and project management within fast-evolving industries (pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and entrepreneurship). I thrive at the intersection of strategy and execution, leveraging a unique combination of Lean thinking, Agile methodologies, and human-centered leadership to inspire collaboration, clarity, and cultural transformation. Grounded in the belief that sustainable performance is built on engaged and empowered teams, I specialize in cultivating agile, high-performing groups, streamlining complex workflows, and fostering trust-driven environments where adaptability and innovation flourish.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Operations Lead (Business Excellence)
Novartis Pharmaceuticals
02.2024 - Current
- Leading a 17-member team in the implementation of digital tools for financial tracking, event management, and asset approval
- Rolled out enterprise-wide training to enhance platform adoption and ensure compliance in commercial and medical operations
- Partner with legal, compliance, finance, and commercial stakeholders to resolve high-stakes issues under strict audit standards
- Implemented automation solutions to streamline complex workflows, enhancing organizational efficiency and productivity
- Successfully launched a new platform that reduced time-to completion for critical processes by 40%
- Achieved 20% cost savings in major events and meetings through improved planning and execution, strengthened collaboration with procurement, and challenging conventional practices with suppliers and agencies
Business Operations Manager (Business Excellence)
Novartis Pharmaceuticals
11.2022 - 02.2024
- Built a new high-performing team of 10 associates from the ground up following major organizational restructure, increasing internal stakeholder satisfaction from 6.9 to 8.8 over 10
- Defined new operational models during uncertain times, fostering a trust-based and collaborative team culture
- Streamlined processes across therapeutic areas to support event planning, budget tracking, and promotional material approvals
- Contributed as a key member of the team recognized by the leadership for delivering the greatest impact on business in 2023
Project Manager / Marketing Coordinator / Executive Assistant (Various Roles)
Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Oncology
10.2022 - 11.2022
- Drove major internal initiatives focused on process simplification and transformation
- Led employee engagement campaigns and learning workshops, improving team morale and communication
- Managed brand budgets and ensured compliance with internal and external policies
- Awarded the “Unsung Hero” recognition for contributions to company culture and results
Client Services Manager & Tax Accounting Instructor
H&R BLOCK
01.2013 - 10.2015
- Managed a tax office and trained new professionals, ensuring consistent performance and client satisfaction
- Delivered tax education and coached individuals transitioning into new careers
Co-Founder & Marketing Manager
Charter Catamaran Turkey
05.2007 - 12.2012
- Launched the first international catamaran sailing school in Eastern Mediterranean
- Led end-to-end business development, marketing strategy, customer experience design, and budget planning
- Created a loyalty program and customer feedback system, earning industry recognition for excellence
- Built a culture of excellence from scratch, navigating uncertainty and growth simultaneously — a real-world change lab
World Tour and Book Publication
Personal Goal Pursuit
11.2004 - 05.2007
- Global Explorer &Author
- Sailed around the world on a 40 foot sloop and became the youngest Turkish couple to complete a circumnavigation
- Developed strong skills in resilience, strategic planning, risk management and cultural adaptation through diverse environments and unexpected challenges
- Wrote and published "YOL", a bes-selling memoir of this journey, showcasing expertise in storytelling, cross-cultural communication, and inspirational leadership
National Trade Marketing Manager / Brand Manager
Nestlé
01.2001 - 11.2004
- Led national trade marketing operations, budget planning, and customer insight strategies
- Managed major brand relaunches and product innovations in highly competitive categories
- Designed performance tracking tools for national accounts and shopper behavior analysis
Market Research Assistant and Assistant Brand Manager
Henkel & Schwarzkopf
01.1997 - 12.2000
- Worked as Market Research Assistant and Assistant Brand Manager; further details available upon request
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration, finance & marketing
Dokuz Eylul University
01.1996
Skills
- Change & Transformation Strategy
- Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement
- Cross-Functional Collaboration & Team Leadership
- Budget Planning & Controlling
- Marketing & Brand Management
- Project Management
- Agile Culture Building
References
Reference letters will be furnished upon request.
Key Areas Of Expertise
- Change & Transformation Strategy
- Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement
- Cross-Functional Collaboration & Team Leadership
- Budget Planning, Event & Project Coordination
- Agile Culture Building & Coaching
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
French
Full Professional
Turkish
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Business Operations Lead (Business Excellence)
Novartis Pharmaceuticals
02.2024 - Current
Business Operations Manager (Business Excellence)
Novartis Pharmaceuticals
11.2022 - 02.2024
Project Manager / Marketing Coordinator / Executive Assistant (Various Roles)
Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Oncology
10.2022 - 11.2022
Client Services Manager & Tax Accounting Instructor
H&R BLOCK
01.2013 - 10.2015
Co-Founder & Marketing Manager
Charter Catamaran Turkey
05.2007 - 12.2012
World Tour and Book Publication
Personal Goal Pursuit
11.2004 - 05.2007
National Trade Marketing Manager / Brand Manager
Nestlé
01.2001 - 11.2004
Market Research Assistant and Assistant Brand Manager
Henkel & Schwarzkopf
01.1997 - 12.2000
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration, finance & marketing
Dokuz Eylul University
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