Orkun Saitoglu
Professional Overview
Orkun Saitoglu is an accomplished technology executive with over 15 years of experience in the payments and fintech industry. As the CEO of iyzico, he is responsible for driving the company's strategic direction, overseeing operations, and accelerating its growth in the Turkish and international markets. He is also an active ambassador for La French Tech Istanbul, leveraging his extensive industry knowledge and network to support the city's thriving startup ecosystem.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the CEO of iyzico, Orkun is leading the company's mission to become the leading payment gateway in Turkey and the region. He is responsible for setting the overall strategic vision, aligning the executive team, and ensuring the delivery of innovative payment solutions to iyzico's growing customer base. Under his leadership, iyzico has expanded its market share, diversified its product portfolio, and strengthened its position as a trusted partner for businesses of all sizes.
Career Progression
Prior to his current role, Orkun held several key positions within the PayPal organization, where he made significant contributions to the company's growth and expansion in Turkey. As the Startup Lead, he played a pivotal role in supporting the development of the local startup ecosystem and fostering partnerships with emerging businesses. Orkun's technical expertise and customer-centric approach were instrumental in his career progression, as he transitioned from a Sales Engineer to a Sales Engineering & Integration Manager and eventually the Chief Operating Officer at iyzico.
Academic Background
Orkun holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering from Marmara University, where he developed a strong foundation in software development and technology. His academic achievements and hands-on experience have been crucial in shaping his understanding of the fintech industry and his ability to drive innovation.
Areas of Expertise
- Payment gateway and fintech solution design and implementation
- Startup ecosystem development and support
- Strategic planning and organizational leadership
- B2B sales, account management, and customer success
- Technical project management and software engineering
Professional Impact
As an industry leader, Orkun has made significant contributions to the growth and development of the Turkish fintech landscape. Under his leadership, iyzico has become a trusted payment solution provider for thousands of businesses, processing billions of dollars in transactions annually. Orkun's role as an ambassador for La French Tech Istanbul has also allowed him to share his expertise and foster collaborations between Turkish and French startups, further strengthening the local startup ecosystem.
Conclusion
Orkun Saitoglu's extensive experience in the payments and fintech industry, coupled with his strategic vision, technical expertise, and leadership skills, make him a valuable asset to iyzico and the broader Turkish technology ecosystem. As the CEO, he is well-positioned to guide the company's continued growth and innovation, while also serving as a respected voice and advocate for the local startup community.
