Gurel Gurkan

Background

About Gurel Gurkan

I am a senior transformation and delivery leader with 15+ years of experience managing complex, high-impact programs across public, private, and multilateral sectors. I have overseen a €850M+ global portfolio spanning ESG, digital transformation, health systems, infrastructure, and supply chain reform—turning strategy into scalable, accountable results. Now transitioning into private-sector or mission-aligned leadership roles, I bring a proven track record of delivering at scale across 50+ countries, leading cross-functional teams of 100+, and embedding governance systems that improve performance, reduce risk, and align execution with strategic priorities. I have been recognized with the UNOPS People Leadership Award (2023) and two Project of the Year Awards (2023 & 2004) for initiatives under my leadership. My roles have spanned the United Nations and hybrid delivery platforms, where I built and led regional PMOs, directed enterprise-scale digital rollouts, and advanced ESG integration and system-wide reform. I work at the intersection of delivery systems and sustainability mandates—helping partners translate global goals into measurable outcomes through program execution and transformation. Selected highlights: • Established PMO, ESG, and risk governance frameworks across high-value portfolios • Directed MVP and enterprise-scale rollouts of digital government and health platforms across 50+ sites • Oversaw delivery across 12+ countries in Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Western Balkans • Led procurement, service reform, and sustainability integration across shared services • Promoted carbon tracking and climate action through global initiatives such as the NDC Partnership, Santiago Network and Initiative for Climate Action Transparency Based in Vienna and EU work-eligible, I am open to senior roles in Copenhagen, Amsterdam, or other EU hubs focused on strategic delivery, ESG execution, or cross-sector transformation.