Global Event Director | Stakeholder Management Expert | 15+ Years Leading Impactful Events in 50+ Countries | Expert in Strategic Planning, Cross-Functional Collaboration & Engagement
An experienced and results-driven Global Event and Stakeholder Relations expert with 15+ years of expertise across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, and the USA regions. Has executed high-profile events in over 50 countries and facilitated events for 50+ to 5000+ attendees. Partners with both internal and external C-Suite Executive members to enhance, develop, and secure long-term growth, financial stability and champion best practices. Led end-to-end project management programs for many initiatives, overseeing every phase from planning to execution. Optimized resources and managed cross-functional teams to ensure seamless delivery. Driving operational efficiency and maximizing ROI through strategic planning, operational excellence, and teamwork. A strong leader who thrives under pressure, foster relations with teams and stakeholders to achieve combined vision and common goals.
Erhan Kiraner
GLOBAL EVENT DIRECTOR and STAKEHOLDER RELATIONS EXPERT
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Contact:
Current Location:
Istanbul, Türkiye
Available to relocate
Languages:
English & Turkish
EXPERIENCE
2018-2024
Global Events Director and Stakeholder Relations Lead
INTERNET CORPORATION for ASSIGNED NAMES and NUMBERS (ICANN)
• Part of the senior management team and responsible for the delivery of impactful and high-profile events globally; across The Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe and USA regions.
• Provided expertise and senior-level consultation on large-scale event strategy, project management, engagement and communication programs. Managed over 100+ events annually for 50+ to 5000+ attendees.
• Led the annual strategic planning process of regionally focused events by working closely with the Government Engagement and Policy Development teams.
• Designed event concepts, themes, and formats that reflected company values and adapted to diverse international audiences and cultural contexts.
• Created event project strategies, speaker and attendee acquisition programs, event blueprints and performance benchmarks; that ensured all events were executed on
time, within budget and to the highest standards.
• Oversaw the end-to-end event management process, including venue selection, contract negotiation, budget planning, and vendor coordination, ensuring timely. and cost-effective delivery.
• Served as the primary liaison with government agencies, embassies, and regulatory bodies to build and maintain relations for the success of events and outreach activities.
• Advised on and implemented protocols for interacting with government officials, VIPs, and international dignitaries.
• Worked closely with Communications team to organize press conferences, generate press releases, reactive, proactive messaging, and drafting talking points for the Executives for all events.
• As part of the Stakeholder Engagement team, worked closely with the Government Engagement and Policy Development teams to build/maintain relations with institutions, NGOs, think tanks, corporations for partnerships.
2016-2018
INTERNET CORPORATION for ASSIGNED NAMES and NUMBERS (ICANN)
Senior Global Event Manager
& External Relations Officer
• Part of the Global and Local internal event management team. Partnered with internal stakeholders, translated their event requirements into impactful event strategies, plans and programs.
• Led creative brainstorming session, devised internal event pitches & presentations and secured buy-in from senior leadership.
• Managed the end-to-end event lifecycle, from concept development and speaker acquisition to budgeting, logistics, and post-event ROI analysis.
• Managed a portfolio of over 50+ vendors, ensured consistent performance, compliance with quality standards, and alignment with project objectives. Conducted regular evaluations, negotiated favorable terms, and fostered strong partnerships.
• Secured and negotiated high-value sponsorships deals, built strategic partnerships and developed tailored sponsorship packages.
• Developed and implemented a comprehensive framework for government, dignitaries and VIP protocol, created policies and a detailed procedural handbook that guided interactions. Ensured all processes adhered to formal standards.
• Developed and managed event budgets, optimized resources and maintained cost-effectiveness.
• Conducted financial analysis and tracked expenses against budgets, ensured alignment with fiscal goals and reported on financial performance & ROI post-event.
2013-2016
Global Event Manager
INTERNET CORPORATION for ASSIGNED NAMES and NUMBERS (ICANN)
• Designed, planned and executed tailored and geographically specific events. Collaborated with local and global team.
• Managed the full event lifecycle, from concept development through to vendor selection and on-site execution.
• Created engaging event agendas and secured guest speakers. Implement audience engagement strategies, which included interactive elements, networking opportunities that elevated attendee experience.
• Provided advice on visa requirements, facilitated the visa application process, and liaised with government and local authorities to ensure compliance and expedite
approvals.
EDUCATION
1997-2001
Bachelor's Degree
ISTANBUL UNIVERSITY
Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences
Tourism and Hotel Management
KEY EVENTS & VENUES
SKILLS
Microsoft Suite - Advanced
Google Apps Suite - Advanced
Event Management Software - Advanced
International Relations - Proficient
Turkish - Native Language
English - Fluent
EXPERTISE
EVENT MANAGEMENT
Overseeing the full lifecycle of events, from venue selection, contract negotiations, and vendor management, to ensuring that each event is executed within budget and adheres to the highest standards.
LEADERSHIP
Leadership expertise with setting event project strategies, developing speaker and attendee acquisition programs, and establishing performance benchmarks to track success.
INTERNATIONAL ACCESS
Navigating cross-cultural and legal complexities of government agencies, embassies, and regulatory bodies to ensure events comply with local regulations, while managing the necessary permits and approvals for international events.