Uluc Arikan

Advises clients on specialty chemicals and refining catalyst markets, competitive positioning, customer needs and growth strategy, translating market research and competitive intelligence into recommendations to senior stakeholders.

Led end-to-end launch of the Ketjen brand alongside three agencies, taking it from concept to market in under five months within a global brand budget of $500K. Grew the brand audience 25% quarter over quarter through the first year, using engagement and web analytics to test audience, content and creative performance and optimize subsequent campaigns.

Led a team of 4 analysts and managed a $70M annual operating budget, reducing demurrage expense 30% through collections and contract redesign, securing $20M in savings. Unlocked $9M in annual margin uplift by expanding refinery crude nomination capacity through strategic deployment of recent capital investments.

Delivered $27M in net margin, partnering with trading and refinery leadership to evaluate storage lease economics, identify alternative supply options, and optimize logistics to keep refineries running during Hurricane Harvey. Generated $11M in storage savings by analyzing onshore vs. floating storage scenarios and renegotiating contract terms based on cost assessments.

Led a 10-person team delivering market intelligence, competitive analysis, and strategic forecasts to commercial leadership. Developed the company’s corporate strategic outlook on oil prices, price spreads, and energy markets by leading cross-functional collaboration with Supply, Logistics, Strategists, and the Chief Economist.

Developed a 5-year strategic investment plan aligned with market growth and infrastructure goals, delivering $18M in net income and 16% return on investment. Led the marketing strategy and launch of Shell V-Power premium unleaded gasoline in Türkiye, achieving a 90% sales uplift and securing the market leader position.

Led a team of 2 traders and oversaw day-to-day crude oil and gasoline trading operations and business development across international markets. Generated $21M in net margin through strategic negotiations and market expansion.

Built pricing and revenue models that shaped go-to-market strategy and deal structure for enterprise software. Delivered market research and competitive analysis that informed corporate planning and go-to-market strategy.

Master of Business Administration in Finance & Marketing from Rice University, Jones Graduate School of Business.

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Boğaziçi (Bosphorus) University.