Fast Company / The Countdown of the new CEO

"MY PRIORITY HAS BEEN LISTENING"

In 2023, Bahar Uçanlar took on the role of CEO at Mey Diageo, emphasizing the importance of "listening." According to her, the fastest and most effective way to implement a management strategy is by listening to employees internally and stakeholders externally. When she started as the General Manager on April 1st, her priority was to focus on her colleagues:

"I first visited the field and factories. I met with my colleagues at the headquarters both one-on-one and in groups. I later shared the feedback I received collectively." Uçanlar believes that "a strategy determined through collective participation, rather than by one person alone, is more permanent and sustainable." She adds, "At the same time, this broad participation and sharing of ideas will also shorten the path to success."

Moving forward, she aims to maintain what is working well and develop new strategies in line with emerging trends and the environment:

"I believe that the factors that will accelerate and ensure the success of the new strategy are recognizing behaviors that enhance speed and agility, learning through experimentation, following trends, working collaboratively, and acting decisively."