Could you share with us the story of your path to becoming an in-house counsel? What motivated you to choose this career path?

I grew up in a disciplined family, where I witnessed the importance of ‘being’ and ‘strong dedication’ through work ethic. It was a good start to my journey. My career path has been shaped by different sectors and experiences, which have brought broader business objectives into focus. I discovered that being part of a dynamic company provides a unique opportunity to create a solid professional journey. As an in-house counsel at TAB Gıda, I feel privileged to be part of the world’s largest master franchise in the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry. Along the way, I’ve realised it’s not just black or white; I embrace challenges and opportunities that shape my growth and skills.

In your role as an in-house counsel, what are the main responsibilities and tasks you handle on a day-to-day basis?

As an in-house counsel, our responsibilities involve multitasking within the company’s interests, including providing legal guidance and advice to various departments. Additionally, I advise on matters related to real estate, labor and employment, and ensure compliance across all phases based on the legal framework of the company’s restaurant brands, which include Burger King, Popeyes, Subway, Arby’s, Sbarro, Usta Dönerci, and Usta Pideci, across different locations such as Türkiye, Georgia, and North Macedonia. Furthermore, TAB Gıda has established a unique food ecosystem that sets an example for the QSR industry worldwide.

Within the combination of advisory and litigation workload, we draft master-franchise and sub-franchising agreements and amendments, real estate lease agreements, restaurant equipment agreements, license agreements, NDAs, service agreements, labor contracts, and manage the process of company data protection.

What are some of the key challenges you have faced as a rising star in-house counsel, and how have you overcome them?  

Managing the legal processes of the master franchise of company brands not only consolidates legal knowledge but also enables the emergence of strong communication skills. Today or tomorrow, legal issues could not properly match with corporate objectives and bring the crisis suddenly; this requires adept negotiation skills and a deep understanding of the organisation’s goals.

Moreover, keeping up to date in the developing legal environment is a permanent challenge. Prompt changes in regulations and laws require constant learning and adaptability. It is like a “cycle” that you have to push to ride and stay attached to the legal framework and keep pace with other developments and challenges. In overcoming these challenges, our legal director, who has been nominated in the GC Powerlist twice, serves as a great mentor, providing help to solve problems in the most effective way and develop a credible legal strategy aligned with overarching business objectives.