Fusun Tavus
Stakeholder Management, Business Development , D&I, Event Management & Organisation
Salary / Daily rate
Paris, France
Freelance, open to permanent contract
Can come onsite
Skills
Languages
About me
Intro
I build and scale international platforms where business, people, and purpose meet. My background spans multi-million-euro trade fairs, global conferences, and strategic partnerships across Europe, Africa, and the US. I have delivered complex international events in challenging environments, worked closely with C-suite executives, public authorities, and global stakeholders, and often acted as a trusted representative and spokesperson. Alongside my commercial experience, I bring strong non-profit leadership, having organised international conferences, managed member engagement, value proposition and contributed to mission-driven initiatives requiring governance, alignment, and long-term vision. I am comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels, combining clarity of vision with hands-on execution. Known for staying calm under pressure, adapting quickly to new technologies and formats, and turning complexity into well-run, results-driven outcomes, I add value from day one. I thrive in roles that require ownership, credibility, and measurable impact — and I am motivated by environments where trust, collaboration, and purpose truly matter.
Work experience
Director of Business Development
Atlas Expo International Fairs
Apr 2023 - Present
3 years 7 months
69340 Francheville, France
Secured agency agreements with international fair organisers, expanding global presence. • Managed key accounts • Expanded stand construction business into new markets. • Oversaw international relations and project execution
Partner Relations Director
LEAD Network EuropeFreelance
Jan 2019 - Dec 2022
4 years
Paris, France
Recruitment of new corporate partners and sponsors. Built relationships with the partner companies and increased their engagement with the offerings of the organisation. Created and ran platforms for best practice sharing about diversity and inclusion. Contributed to the delivery of annual objectives of the organisation. Secure partnership agreement renewals. Manage Partner value proposition. Performed financial tasks to enhance the organisation’s finance.
Secretary General
Chain Stores Association and Food Retailers Association
Mar 2015 - Mar 2019
4 years 1 month
İstanbul, Türkiye
Consolidated the needs of the retail industry and presented them to the government authorities, established ways of cooperating to solve the common problems of the industry. Managed the public affairs, fundraising and sponsorship, organised events, management of third parties and increased the efficiency of the small team. Ran EU projects and other grants.
General Manager
İstanbul Shopping Festival
Aug 2011 - Oct 2014
3 years 3 months
İstanbul, Türkiye
•Istanbul Shopping Fest was organized between 2011-2016 with the cooperation of non-governmental organizations, public institutions and private sector .
General Manager
TIM Show Center
Mar 2007 - Mar 2011
4 years 1 month
İstanbul, Türkiye
• Management of Sales, Marketing,, Accounting, Technical and Productions departments • Head of venue reporting to the founder. • Responsible for event schedules, new shows and setting the agreement. • Reorganizing sales structure and market strategy. • Monitoring advertising and PR activities of the venue and the shows organized by MEGA • Built teamwork and motivation within sales team.
Foreign Affairs Coordinator
EXPOTIM International Fair Org
Jan 2003 - Jan 2007
4 years 1 month
Head of foreign affairs reporting to CEO • Planning of fair calendar, setting strategy for the growth of the company with Board of Directors • Responsible of local PR activities to raise the awareness of company activities and brand. • Managing all contractual, financial and bureaucratic relations with foreign contacts which are located in Africa, Middle East ,Europe and Russia/CIS region. • Appointing foreign PR and advertising agencies for the fairs in the mentioned countries and monitoring their activities. • Responsible of inspection visits to target markets and fairs
Education
Istanbul Commerce University
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), International Business/Trade/Commerce
2016 - Present
10 years 10 months
University of Surrey
Master of Science - MS, Business Administration and Management, General
1996 - 1997
1 year 4 months
Ankara University
Bachelor of Science (BSc), Business Administration
1992 - 1996
4 years 1 month