Zeynep Dereli, founder and CEO of TINK, founded Turkey's first technology high school. Prior to that she was the Executive Director at APCO Worldwide focusing on international engagement efforts, bringing over 15 years of experience working with global leaders of politics, business and media across Europe, the MENA and Gulf regions, Asia and North America.Prior to joining APCO, Zeynep was director of the Atlantic Council’s Black Sea Energy and Economic Forum. Zeynep has been an active voice in politics since the March 2009 Turkish elections, when she won a seat at the county council in Istanbul Sisli Municipality. She also served as a consultant for the Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism. Zeynep produced and presented a weekly foreign policy program, “Leaders and Decisions,” on the Turkish nationwide TV channel SKY Turk and CNBC-e.
Earlier in her career, Zeynep worked for Shell Trading and Shipping Company in London in derivatives trading, risk analysis, research and regulatory compliance for 3 years. She later became a supply financial analyst at Shell Turkey for a further 2 years. Zeynep was also a key member of the mergers and acquisitions team for Dundas, Unlu & Co, Istanbul, a boutique investment bank. Currently, Zeynep serves as an advisory council member at SOAS/London Middle East Institute; a member of the Board of Directors of the Turkish British Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Zeynep is also a founding member of Endeavor Turkey, a global non-profit that transforms emerging countries by supporting High-Impact Entrepreneurs. Zeynep previously served as President of Taba/AMCHAM. Zeynep holds a master’s degree in development economics from the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies. She earned a BA in economics from Princeton University, with a certificate in Near Eastern studies.
