Banu Senel

Banu Şenel is a dynamic professional with over a decade of experience as a strategic leader, business development expert, and founder in the realms of global business. She specializes in business development and investment consultancy for special economic zones, ensuring a comprehensive and impactful approach to market dynamics with her background in IoT, energy and industrial estates.

In the period from 2016 to 2021, she embarked on an entrepreneurial journey as the Founder and CEO of Free Zone Watch. Here, she created the world’s first digital platform centered on Free Zones and Special Economic Zones, strategically targeting Free Zone Authorities, the Free Zone Value Chain/Ecosystem, and SMEs through a Subject Matter Expert Network. Her expertise in Go-To-Market Strategy and Execution extended to multiple countries, including Turkey, Ghana, Nigeria, Angola, and Oman. This experience involved collaboration with Free Zone Authorities, Ministries, and relevant Public Sector entities to create value through strategy, networking, training, best-practices replication, and attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

In the earlier years, as the Founder and Executive Producer of Şenel Film, she pioneered a startup focused on Video Storytelling, catering specifically to the Oil & Gas industry. The venture provided creative business videos, branding videos, corporate training videos, workplace safety, and training campaigns, along with event videography. Her role involved navigating complex sales cycles, competitive tender bidding, and compliance with stringent requirements of Exploration & Production (E&P) companies.

Notably, she served as the Country Director for a leading business intelligence platform for the energy industry from 2010 to 2013, spearheading territorial expansion from North Africa to the Middle East and South Asia. Her contributions included generating multi million euros in consultative sales, establishing strategic alliances at the highest levels, and conceptualizing and realizing strategic plans. This involved securing long-term contracts with C-Levels at top oil and gas companies, EPC contractors, government bodies, and financial institutions. She also established strategic partnerships with Ministries of Energy/Oil & Gas and International Energy Institutions, moderated strategic roundtables, and organized exclusive VIP gatherings.

Her academic background includes a Bachelor of International Relations from Koc University, earned with a full scholarship and recognized with an Outstanding Achievement Award. With a rich tapestry of experiences spanning over a decade, Banu brings a unique blend of strategic expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and cross-cultural acumen.