About

Results-oriented, client-focused leader with 19+ years of experience in operations of shopping centers/malls and theme parks. Track record of running organized and successful shopping mall management, operations & retail & leasing, entertainment centers, theme park, amusement parks, water theme park, aqua parks, and spas, fitness, welness achieving high rates of customer satisfaction. Develop and implement comprehensive strategic business plans which address the opportunities and needs of the center/s. Provide clients with the most pleasurable experience with success in creating a world-class shopping experience for customers. Strong understanding of consumer trends, coupled with excellent relationship building, communication, conflict resolution, customer service, and leadership skills.

Personal Details
 
Full Name:
Serkan KOC
Nationality:
Turkish
Email:
koc-serkan@hotmail.com
Phone:
+7701 9210362 UAE +971 527145158
Location Currently:
Astana - Kazakhstan
Languages:
Turkish (Native), English, Russian, Kazakh
Key Skills
Mall & Theme Park & Water Park Operations
Facilities Management
Mall - Leasing - Retail
Sales & Marketing Strategies
Event Management
Training & Development
Budgeting and Cost Control
Profit and Loss Responsibility
Health & Safety Standards
Security & Housekeeping
RFID & RTLS System Management
Tenants & Customer Relations
Work Experience

May 2023- Currently

AsiaMall Shopping Mall- Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Mall General Director - Bishkek - Kyrgyzstan

I work at Asia mall, which is the best mall in Biskek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. I manage the whole mall.
Total area 55.000 m2 leasable area 31.000 m2
Total number of tenants 139
Total number of kiosk tenants 95
Annual total number of visitors 6.500.000
Total number of employees in the mall 1300 people,
In a very short time, the number of shopping mall entrances was increased by making strategic decisions, and new brands were added with leasing strategies.

 2022 – 2023

Argeloji Information Technologies– Middle East (UAE - Dubai)
DBD - Director of Business Development - Middle East (UAE - Dubai)

I worked as a business development director in the middle east (UAE) branch of a software company based in Istanbul.
The development of smart building management systems and solutions related to the management of shopping centers, business centers, complex buildings, and the solutions of artificial intelligence in complex structures management in large companies were explained. It is a part of the management system that provides savings of up to 20% by managing employees with a follow-up system, as well as a 20% increase in labor productivity.
It is also a part of the system to digitize important structures in complex buildings, design management through artificial intelligence, and reduce the risk in the future with easier and immediate intervention.
It is a part of the system to obtain more information through digitalization analyzes of the leasing processes in complex structures, to monitor the returns of the brands to the shopping mall, to eliminate the brands that bring less customers and to monitor the continuity and efficiency of the shopping mall with strategic decisions taken accordingly.
Negotiations with companies are still ongoing.

2018 -  2022

By Rixos "Khan Shatyr Shopping Entertainment Center"
COO - Malls Director of Operations - Mall Management Operations| Leasing & Retail - Kazakhstan - Astana

Mall Operations | Rental and Retail | Tenant Relations | MIS Reporting | Cross-Function Collaboration

124.000 m2 total area, Leasable area 55.000 m2, Total staff 1550, Own staff 200

Provided strategic leadership for all aspects of mall operations, overseeing tenant relations, security, maintenance, and customer services.
Developed and implemented policies and procedures to ensure smooth and efficient daily operations of the mall.
Cultivated positive relationships with mall tenants, addressing their needs, concerns, and ensuring lease compliance.
Collaborated with the leasing team to attract and retain high-quality tenants that complemented the mall's brand and target market.
Managed the annual budget for the mall, ensuring financial goals were consistently met and monitored financial performance, identifying areas for improvement.
Implemented strategies to enhance the overall customer experience, including cleanliness, ambiance, and customer service.
Oversaw security measures and emergency procedures to ensure the safety of customers, tenants, and staff.
Managed maintenance and housekeeping teams to ensure the mall's facilities were well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing.
Collaborated with the marketing team to develop and implement marketing and promotional strategies to attract foot traffic and increase sales.
Coordinated special events, campaigns, and initiatives to drive engagement and community involvement.
Utilized technology to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience within the mall.
Integrated sustainable practices and initiatives into mall operations, including waste management, energy efficiency, and green building practices.

 2019 -  2021

By Rixos "Karavansaray Shopping Entertainment Center"
COO - Malls Director of Operations - Mall Management Operations| Kazakhstan - Turkestan

Mall Operations | Rental and Retail | Tenant Relations | MIS Reporting | Pre-Opening | Cross-Function Collaboration

Total area 205.000 m2, lease area 25.000 m2, entertainment areas 6.100 m2.
Multi-complex with two separate hotels, shopping centers, entertainment centers, a 700-meter Venice-like water canal with boat trips, and a 1500-seat amphitheater.
From the beginning to the end of the construction period, the operating scenario and follow-up was done by me.

 2012 -  2022

By Rixos "Khan Shatyr Shopping Entertainment Center"
General Manager Theme Park & Family Entertainment Center & Amusement Park - Kazakhstan - Astana

Theme Park | Amusement Park | Attractions&Rides | Embed System | Operations

Led a team of 80 staff members in overseeing the day-to-day operations of a popular theme park.
Developed and implemented comprehensive operational plans, ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and efficient experience for park visitors.
Managed park resources effectively, optimizing staffing levels and coordinating team schedules.
Successfully negotiated contracts with vendors, achieving 25% cost savings on services and supplies.
Implemented pricing strategies and promotions, contributing to a 327% increase in annual revenue.
Collaborated with the marketing team to create and execute successful promotional campaigns, resulting in a 57% increase in attendance.
Conducted regular training sessions for park staff, focusing on customer service, safety protocols, and emergency response.
Coordinated and executed special events, such as themed weekends and live entertainment, enhancing customer engagement.
Maintained positive relationships with local regulatory bodies, ensuring compliance with safety and health regulations.
Utilized guest feedback to implement improvements, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Successfully moved all 22 attractions with more than 200 games and a total area of 4650 m2 from Floor 3 to Floor 4 in 2013.

 2010 -  2018

By Rixos "Khan Shatyr Shopping Entertainment Center"
General Manager Water Theme Park & Beach Club (Aqua park) & Spa & Wellness & Fitness | Kazakhstan - Astana

Oversaw the day-to-day operations of a water theme park, managing a team of 35 staff members.
Developed and implemented comprehensive operational plans, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for park visitors.
Managed park resources efficiently, optimizing staffing levels and coordinating staff schedules.
Enforced and enhanced safety procedures, resulting in a 99,99% decrease in incidents and accidents.
Successfully negotiated contracts with vendors, achieving 20% cost savings in park services.
Developed and implemented pricing strategies and promotions, contributing to a 27% increase in annual revenue.
Collaborated with the marketing team to create and execute promotional campaigns, increasing park attendance by 35%.
Conducted regular training sessions for park staff, focusing on customer service, safety protocols, and emergency response.
Coordinated special events, such as themed weekends and live entertainment, resulting in increased customer engagement.
Maintained positive relationships with local regulatory bodies, ensuring compliance with safety and health regulations.

2008 - 2010

Gloria Hotels Resorts
Event & Entertainment Specialist | Turkey - Antalya

I have managed event management duties at a senior level such as marriage organizations, celebrations, birthdays, special day celebrations, banquets, music, musicians and animation organizations.
I participated in planning and arranging all details of an event including logistics, food and beverage, entertainment, musicians, animations and decor.
Coordinate all security, parking and entertainment plans. I organized smoothly, coordinating with external vendors to ensure timely delivery of services. 

2004 - 2007

Rixos Hotels
Event & Entertainment Specialist | Turkey - Antalya | Kazakhstan - Astana

I worked as an event & entertainment specialist in various countries of Rixos Hotels

Planning and organizing entertainment events and activities for guests.

Education
 
Master's Degree - 2021
 
Master’s in Tourism Management
 

Akhmet Yassawi University - Kazakhstan / Turkey

 
Master's Degree - 2015
 
MBA
 

Okan University - Turkey

 
Bachelor's Degree 2003
 
Bachelor’s in Statistics
 

Ondokuz Mayis University - Turkey

Certificates
 
Marketing - 2022
 
Digital Marketing
 

Google

 
CFO - 2021
 
Finance Certificate Program for Managers
 

Sabanci University - Turkey

 
Volunteers -2022
 
Volunteers.ae
 

Department Of Community Development - UAE