- Could you please tell us how your career in Beko started and developed?
– I have been working for Arçelik for over 15 years. I have always been in the Production Planning Department, so I got a lot of experience in this field. I am an Engineer-technologist by education, I have a master's degree in this specialty. I got a job at Arçelik right after graduation and still enjoy my job. In the company, I feel great and happy, because I have been provided with many development opportunities. For example, I supported colleagues at our factory in China for a month and a half. I was also involved in the opening of a new factory in Romania. For two and a half years I worked between Romania and my homeland, Turkey. And I have always been in close contact with the Russian factory. Prior to my assignment to the Beko factory in Kirzhach, I was the Lead Manager of the Arçelik washing machine factory in Istanbul.
- And when did you first come to Russia?
– Just a little while ago, in December 2022, I took part in the final inventory. In mid-February, I again came to Russia for a permanent job as the head of the Production Planning Department.
– What did you expect from your work and life in Russia?
– I was happy because this appointment meant a promotion for me. And I knew that there is a great team here, because I had already worked with some Russian colleagues from the Production Planning Department.
But I have never been to Russia, so I began to collect feedback from my Turkish colleagues who worked at the factory.
I had questions about the political situation, weather and distance from Turkey. But my friends and colleagues unanimously assured me that everyday life here is wonderful. In general, all feedbacks about Russia, the factory and the team were very positive. So my doubts dissipated before they appeared.
And so far everything has been confirmed. The people here are very helpful and supportive. Of course, it is colder here than in Turkey, the weather conditions are different, but I quickly got used to. And there are also very beautiful wilds, big cities, so life promises to be interesting. Sure, it takes time to get used to everything. For example, now I'm just looking for a comfortable apartment for rent. Once I take it off, my life will become more stable and comfortable.
– How does it look like to leave Istanbul, where you have lived most of your life, to little Kirzhach?
– Istanbul is a big interesting city, which has many difficulties at the same time – traffic jams, throngs of people, high level of stress. In Kirzhach, the work pace is similar to Istanbul, not much difference. But the nature is beautiful, the air is cleaner, there are no traffic jams, there is less stress. On weekends I go to nearby towns, to Moscow for sightseeing.
– Previously, you worked with the Russian Beko factory as a supplier. How has your job changed since moving to Russia? What new did you learn? Have you ever had to change something at work?
– I have always assisted Planning Departments in our factories around the world, but I have never had any specific managerial responsibilities. Now I am in charge of the Production Planning Department. The work processes are similar, but now I have a bigger team to work with. I participate in budgetary control, authorized to approve certain transactions and make decisions for the entire department. I also represent my department and sometimes the entire factory or company in various situations. But the essence of the work, production planning, remains the same.