We Conducted an Interview with Didem Öztanık

İTT Logistics Deputy General Manager Didem Öztanık shared insights into the products and sales activities the company offers in the logistics sector during our interview. Öztanık discussed valuable perspectives on various topics including recently developed services at İTT and sustainability approaches with our readers.

Could you briefly introduce yourself and your professional background?

I am the daughter of our founder Tekin Öztanık and have been working at İTT, a family business, for approximately 11 years. After completing my university education in Turkey, I pursued a master's degree in international business in the United Kingdom. Before returning to Turkey, I gained one year of work experience in Tunisia. Upon returning to Turkey, I began working in the logistics sector, our family profession. I have held positions in various departments of the company including customer service, procurement and sales. I currently serve as Deputy General Manager at İTT Logistics.

Could you provide information about İTT's founding process and areas of operation?

İTT is a company with 20 years of history. However, in 2014, we underwent a renewal and transitioned from a multi-partner to a single-partner structure. İTT operates a tank washing facility, customs-bonded areas and duty-free storage areas. We offer tank repairs, steam heating, water heating and electric heating systems, as well as container change operations. We conduct various imports and exports. In the second quarter of 2023, our port services will be launched.

Could you provide information about the products and services offered by İTT? What sectors are among your target markets?

We serve any sector that requires dangerous liquid chemicals, including their transport and container changes. Every customer who needs, produces or consumes such materials knocks on İTT's door in some way. Our target audience includes everyone who produces and consumes such products.

Could you provide information about İTT's domestic and international operations?

Domestically, we conduct filling, storage, tank repairs, tank washing, container changes and heating operations as well as tank rental activities. For international operations, we are involved in export and import activities.

Could you provide information about İTT's environmental policy and sustainability approach?

We are a company that is highly sensitive to environmental issues. In particular, we received support from the Yıldız Technical University Environmental Committee on these matters and personally invited them to conduct inspections. We have successfully passed environmental tests conducted by both this committee and other inspectors. Our priority has always been environmental safety. Yes, many materials pass through our facilities and operational processes, but we know that organization can be carried out without losing environmental awareness and without harming the environment, and we continue with this mission.

Do you have any new services that you have particularly developed recently as İTT?

Apart from the port services we will launch in the second quarter of 2023, we are currently heavily focused on isocyanate container changes. We have exports and imports in this area. Change and investment never end. We currently have many different projects that we want to implement. Our aim and goal is to truly sustain the concept of logistics, to not forget that not every carrier of products is a transporter, and that not everyone who stores products within four walls is providing warehousing and logistics services, and to continue serving the sector with many different projects and different brands, understanding that logistics is a sector requiring serious effort and investment.

Any final remarks?

I can say clearly that although our sector appears quite large, it is actually a rather small sector. As I mentioned before, logistics and transport are very broad terms. Unfortunately, today many companies conduct this business in the sector without distinguishing between these two terms and without giving the proper care. Competition is a good thing and helps develop institutions and companies while giving vision to the sector. However, competition should not be based on price, but on quality and your service providers. I have heard from many places that İTT Logistics is setting the direction for the sector, which is a good impression, but I would like to point out that İTT will not set the direction for the sector in 2023, but will rebuild the pieces and reshape the game. This comes only from working hard, making the right investments, doing your work in the best possible way and learning continuously.