Seminar Series of the Faculty of Applied Sciences – Spring 2026 – 2. Seminar

Dear Students of the Faculty of Applied Sciences,

You are kindly informed to welcome Alshaya Starbucks Eurasia Digital and Marketing Director, Mr. Murat Buyurgan and Alshaya Starbucks Eurasia CSR and Communication Manager, Ms. Serli Kibar as the guest speakers of the seminar series.

Date      : Thursday, 26 February 2026

Time      : 14:40-15:30

Place     : AB3 #150 / Zeynep Alp Köseoğlu Auditorium

Mr. Murat Buyurgan is a senior executive with over 25 years of international and multi-brand retail management experience. Demonstrated success in achieving revenue, profit and market growth objectives, with established leadership in operational and functional management, including full P&L and budget accountability. He has led high-value brands such as Marks & Spencer, Gap and Banana Republic, delivering sustainable and verifiable results through customer focus, breakthrough brand-building innovations, sales, marketing, visual merchandising, e-commerce and store design and construction. He has proven his ability to build high-performing teams and strong relationships in the retail real estate market, with extensive franchise management experience and competence in navigating market and business fluctuations. He is currently serving as Starbucks Eurasia Digital and Marketing Director, overseeing category and product strategies, marketing and brand communications as well as digital platforms, loyalty programs, across Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.

Ms. Serli Kibar is a communications and social impact professional with extensive experience in international and multi-brand management. Beginning a career in journalism and later specializing in media relations within PR agencies, she has built expertise in brand communication and strategic campaign management. By integrating social impact and community-focused initiatives, the journey has evolved into delivering sustainable results in the corporate sphere. Currently in a strategic communications and social impact projects leading role, the focus lies on youth empowerment programs, inclusive store projects, and stakeholder engagement, aligning operational priorities with organizational social missions.

In the seminar class, Mr. Murat Buyurgan and Ms. Serli Kibar will present on “Community Building and Social Impact Projects”.