Meryem Akar

• Co-founded "Toronto Community Connections and Discussions" group with 550+ members, fostering community unity and providing support to those in need.
• Directed the distribution of an aid package, including cash, clothing, and medical items, by providing direct support to affected families, facilitating relocation, and assisting.
• Managed and moderated a group chat with 550+ members, ensuring a positive and collaborative community environment.
• Collaborated with Toronto Police Services on multiple Project Hope initiatives, fostering positive community-police relationships.
  

Key Accomplishments:

• Raised over $350,000 in under two months for a donation drive, showcasing strong fundraising and organizational skills. Provided on-the-ground assistance to 25 families affected by the Earthquake in Turkiye in February 2023.
• Led mission-driven initiatives featured by CBC News and other media outlets, highlighting community involvement.
• Facilitated housing and furnishing for 24 New to Canada families through a member-driven volunteering and donation system, overseeing a dedicated team of 3-6 administrators and 40 volunteers.
• Award: Toronto Police Services Board - Community Member Award

• Managed digital marketing for 4 clients: e-commerce beauty store, non-profit, construction, and small business startup.
• Developed data-driven strategies, enhancing brand visibility across industries.
• Monitored analytics, making data-driven adjustments for improved performance.
• Increased website traffic with targeted SEO, keyword research, and content optimization.
• Collaborated on integrated marketing plans for traditional and digital channels.
• Enhanced user experience through strategic website updates.
• Designed engaging Shopify and WordPress websites for products and services.
• Created visual assets for social media, emails, blogs, and digital communications.

• Acquired, managed, and grew a territory of 150+ independent businesses, chain accounts, and retail outlets in the GTA, including Loblaws, Petro Canada, Esso, Shell, Sobey's, Mac's, Giant Tiger, and Pioneer
• Led the successful launch of the Reduced Risk Product IQOS in the Canadian tobacco market, conducting pilot tests, strategizing, and building new networks
• Achieved market share, volume, and profit growth by developing tactical goals for retailers and maintaining positive relationships
• Managed a quarterly budget of up to $50,000 based on sales insights and territory trends, resulting in a 125%+ ROI from the trade marketing program
• Mentored and trained new hires, ensuring their success through comprehensive training and availability of support

Key accomplishments:

• Consistently ranked among the top 5 sales performers for 6 consecutive years in both combustibles and reduced-risk products (IQOS, Vapes)
• Successfully managed and planned budgets for vacant territories (Scarborough, Oshawa, Courtice, and Bowmanville), overseeing 500+ stores during a staff shortage
• Selected to participate in multiple pilot tests for the launch of IQOS, sharing valuable insights and experiences with the field sales force
• Significantly increased market share in the Ultra-Low tier by implementing effective business development programs for retailers, achieving a ranking of #2 in the assigned territory and #5 in the vacant territory out of 56 in 2018 (compared to #26 and #9 in 2017)
• Developed personalized and achievable programs for key accounts, resulting in a strong retailer and partner relationship of 99%
• Appointed as Fleet Safety Ambassador, reducing the crash rate by 26% and collision rate by 48% in 2018 through accident trend identification, e-learning activities, and proactive communication on safety.

• Created and developed web page content and templates for Toromont Cat’s public and secure websites by working with delivery resources
• Owned, managed, and monitored 24/7 brand social media platforms: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn
• Developed new content, campaigns, and strategies such as contests, giveaways, podcasts, and partnerships to promote on social media
• Built yearly marketing roadmap to take advantage of seasonal opportunities by designing and building e-blast templates for www.catmerchandise.com
• Coordinated marketing conferences to train employees on website maintenance, marketing processes, and content management systems

Key accomplishments:

• Increased Instagram followers by 115,285% (from 26 to 30,000) within 4 months by posting relevant and creative content and constantly engaging with followers
• Completed .COM content migration project in 10 months vs 18 months (forecasted SLA).