CHRO at Türkiye Sigorta

Dogan Basar

Doğan Başar, who graduated from the Business Administration Department of Karadeniz Technical University in 2005, completed his Master's and Ph.D. degrees in Strategy Science and Human Resources, respectively, at the Social Sciences Institute of Gebze Technical University. He has served as a Human Resources Manager in various companies within the finance sector, including institutions such as Türk Eximbank and Borsa İstanbul. He has conducted academic studies in the field of human resources in London, UK, and at Tomas Bata University in the Czech Republic for approximately two years. In academia, he has held positions as a Ph.D. Lecturer, Department Head, and Director of a Vocational School at Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University. Between 2021 and 2023, he served as a Board Member and Member of the Remuneration Committee at BKM. Most recently, from January 2020 to August 2023, Mr. Başar served as the General Director of Human Resources at the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey, during which he authored numerous national and international articles and book chapters in the field of human resources. As of September 6, 2023, Mr. Başar has started his new role as the Deputy General Manager of Human Resources, Strategy, and Support Services at Türkiye Sigorta and Türkiye Hayat Emeklilik. Mr. Dr. Başar also continues to serve as a Board Member of Turk P&I Insurance.

My name is Doğan Başar, and I am currently serving as the Deputy General Manager of Human Resources, Strategy, and Support Services at Türkiye Sigorta and Türkiye Hayat Emeklilik. My professional journey in human resources began in 2005, following my graduation from the Business Administration Department of Karadeniz Technical University. I went on to complete my Master's and Ph.D. degrees in Strategy Science and Human Resources at the Social Sciences Institute of Gebze Technical University.

Over the years, I have served as a Human Resources Manager in various leading public and private sector companies within the finance sector, including Türkiye Finans Katılım Bankası, Türk Eximbank, and Borsa Istanbul. My academic pursuits took me to London, UK, and Tomas Bata University in the Czechia, where I conducted extensive research in human resources for approximately two years.

“At Türkiye Sigorta, we manage change through the principles of Situational Leadership, which emphasizes the need for leaders to be flexible and responsive to their team's needs.”

Over the years, I have served as a Human Resources Manager in various leading public and private sector companies within the finance sector, including Türkiye Finans Katılım Bankası, Türk Eximbank, and Borsa Istanbul. My academic pursuits took me to London, UK, and Tomas Bata University in the Czech Republic, where I conducted extensive research in human resources for approximately two years.

Since September 6, 2023, I have taken on the role of Deputy General Manager of Human Resources, Strategy, and Support Services at Türkiye Sigorta and Türkiye Hayat Emeklilik. In this capacity, I oversee the integration of strategic human resources practices and support services, ensuring that our organization remains at the forefront of industry advancements and best practices.

Addressing Challenges in HR

Reflecting on my career, several unique experiences have significantly shaped my approach to human resources. During my master's degree, I provided consultancy services to various companies, gaining a wide range of experiences in the field. This exposure allowed me to see firsthand the critical nature of personnel selection and the high costs associated with recruitment errors. These experiences in both private and public institutions underscored the importance of managing emotions correctly and making informed, strategic decisions.

Today, many companies struggle to adapt to the rapidly changing world. To address this, we need to develop proactive and flexible strategies that align with evolving technologies and changing work environments. Effective "Change Management" can be achieved by implementing the right practices during processes such as the adoption of new technologies, organizational changes, and strategic transformations. This ensures the adaptation and motivation of employees. At Türkiye Sigorta, we manage change through the principles of "Situational Leadership," which emphasizes the need for leaders to be flexible and responsive to their team's needs.

Integration of Technology in HR

The integration of technology has significantly reshaped the HR landscape at our organization. We are currently implementing the "Artificial Intelligence Transformation in Human Resources" project, which integrates AI into all our HR functions, from recruitment to talent management, compensation management, performance, and reward management. This initiative aims to automate repetitive tasks, encourage innovation, and create an agile work environment, ultimately enhancing our employer brand.

Looking ahead, I believe that technological advancements will have the most significant impact on the HR industry in the next 3-5 years. Automation of routine tasks will allow HR professionals to focus on more strategic issues, driving greater efficiency and effectiveness in HR management.

Advice for Aspiring HR Professionals

To aspiring HR professionals aiming for leadership positions, I recommend staying updated with the latest trends, technological advancements, and best practices in the industry. Obtaining professional certifications and actively participating in various projects can also provide valuable experience and enhance your project management skills, giving you a significant advantage in your career progression.

My journey in human resources has been shaped by diverse experiences and continuous learning. As I continue to lead and innovate in my role at Türkiye Sigorta, I remain committed to advancing the field of human resources and supporting the growth and development of our organization.