Ozlem Kalaca Yurdakul has more than 25 years of experience at key functions of leading multinational companies and global brands, mainly in Human Resources. She worked as Chief People Officer (KFC/PH) Turkey and Board member at Yum! Brands, Human Resources Director Turkey and Board member at Best Buy, Group Manager in Siemens, HR Director in Siemens Business Services, Development Manager in Eczacibasi Holding. She is working as Chief People Officer and a board member for Yum! International in MenaPakT region responsible from 14 different countries. Strategic People Agenda Design, Cultural Transformation, D&EI Strategy, Change Management, M&A are some specific topics that she has specialized for. From an internal engagement perspective, KFC has been selected as the second company as a Great Place to Work, won Brandan Hall awards during her leadership. Signature projects like first female and hearing-impaired stores, first female delivery teams, Earn and Learn opportunities for local women talents may be seen as a part the Yum! Culture that she has worked towards as well as this culture’s positive impact on the community side.
Ozlem has graduated from Boğaziçi University Sociology, is licensed as an Adler & Hogan & Heart styles Coach, and a psychodrama facilitator.
She has published 2 children’s books to give back to children’s community services to support children in need. She is married, has 2 beautiful daughters and a puppy. Traveling, writing, reading, hands craftwork, gardening are her main interests.
She values freedom of choice, love, respect, humility, creativity, and fun in life. Her dream is to be a child again when she is grown up.
