We Conducted an Interview on Günkem's 2020 Targets

We conducted an enjoyable interview with Osman Yıldız, Chairman of the Board of Günkem, discussing his company's founding story. Yıldız provided important information about Günkem's 2020 targets.

Could you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born in 1979 in Kuzguncuk, Istanbul. My connection with Günkem began in 1997. Since 1997, I have continued to work actively in various departments of Günkem in raw material procurement and sales.

I started in Günkem's Sales Department in 2005 and took on the position of Sales Director in 2009 with new responsibilities.

After serving in management positions for many years, I took full control of Günkem's operations starting in 2017. I have continued my career as Chairman of the Board since then.

Could you tell us about Günkem's development process from its founding to today?

Günkem Chemical Substances, which laid its foundations in 1990, has been one of the leading companies in its sector from the day it was established.Our journey, which began with the procurement of paint chemicals, grew alongside the developing paint production of the 1990s.

We expanded and diversified into different sectors with strong supplier support.Starting raw material sales in the building chemicals sector in the early 2000s, we strengthened our portfolio with raw material sales in plastic, rubber, textile and cosmetic chemicals.

The year 2017 marked a new chapter for Günkem in terms of renewal, growth and development. With its strengthened dynamic team, it is advancing rapidly toward new continents and ambitious goals.Günkem Chemical Substances, bearing the name of my late father Gündüz Yıldız, will continue to move forward with confident steps toward success, endeavoring to be a company worthy of that name.

You mentioned that the coming period would herald new developments for you—what does 2020 mean for Günkem?

2020 will be a fortunate year for us that puts 30 successful and acclaimed years behind us at Günkem, bringing good plans, new beginnings and business development opportunities. Günkem has always been a company that recognized the value of its opportunities. So to speak, while others pull back, we always move forward.

As I mentioned just now, Günkem is completing its internal renewal process. Part of this process was our corporate identity undergoing a makeover. With our renewed image, strong business partners and a highly motivated team, we are looking forward to 2020 with great anticipation and excitement.

What are Günkem's products and product groups? Which sectors do you serve?

As Günkem, our main product line is the sale of raw materials for paints, inks, adhesives and building chemicals. Additionally, we are actively positioned in the sector with sales of plastics, rubber, textiles and cosmetics raw materials.

Could you tell us about your sales activities? Which regions do you primarily target for sales?

We have an extensive sales network covering all regions and districts of Turkey. In terms of exports, we have reached an overseas sales network spanning more than 3 continents.As a priority, we conduct intensive customer visits in both domestic and international sales.

We support these visits with our technically professionalized team and reach solutions on the spot.Additionally, we participate in trade fairs, congresses and seminars for all sectors in which Günkem operates.

This helps our dynamic team to monitor the market more closely and stay informed about innovations.

You recently mentioned that Africa is your new export destination. Could you provide information about this project?

Günkem has spent the last 20 years strengthening and further reinforcing its export network. Our current position is at a point where 35% of company turnover is generated by exports. With the Middle East and the African market, which we recently added to our portfolio, we aim to achieve a 45% share. With our extensive sales network spanning from Europe to Asia and from the Middle East to Africa, we actively serve 3 continents.

What are the criteria and methods for building an effective supply network on a global scale?

First and foremost, honesty and reliability must be among the most important criteria. As researchers, we must approach our customers with technically correct products and solutions. In line with demands from customers, it is important to add quality and competitive products to the portfolio, and to create a fair bridge between customer and supplier. As the Günkem family, we have adopted all these principles as guidelines within our organization.

Advancing technology and digitalization are offering innovative opportunities to many sectors. What are your digital transformation efforts at Günkem?

Technological developments and digitalization, whose importance continues to grow, highly support industrial development and intercontinental trade. At Günkem, we continuously follow innovations and developments. We have sales-inventory-cost support systems that are actively used and integrated within our organization. We are significantly active in web-based special filtering systems that support fast and hot sales. We both monitor and manage activities that affect market share, such as product presentations and sector news, through social media tools. Particularly in the last 1.5 years, this has been a period in which we have accelerated and systematized our efforts.

In your view, what kind of difference is needed to achieve global success?

Dedication and hard work lie behind every success. Several golden rules that support these criteria come along with them; these are: Meeting customer demands as quickly as possible with correct timing, supplying products on the same day with a fast logistics network, connecting the right supplier with the right customer, keeping customer satisfaction always at the forefront, being able to take initiative, being able to renew oneself and following innovations, and finally, always being able to compete with ourselves—these are among the principles that have led Günkem to success.

What do you do in your free time, and what are your hobbies?

Since I travel frequently for work most of the time, this allowed me to adopt this as a hobby in my personal life as well. For this reason, I enjoy traveling. I am a true football fan. I never miss the matches of the team I support. I am a keen follower of Turkey's women's volleyball and basketball achievements. I enjoy integrating my social activities with nature sports. I am an avid collector. I enjoy collecting items that interest me.