Alper Gondiken

Alper Gondiken has extensive work experience in various roles and companies. Alper began their career as a Planning Intern at Avon Cosmetics in 2007. Alper then worked at Citi, where they held roles such as Senior Scoring Analyst, Strategy Analyst and Collection Strategies Manager, and Scoring and Modeling Manager from 2008 to 2013.

Following their time at Citi, Gondiken joined VisualDNA, A Nielsen Company, as a Risk Modelling Specialist. Alper later became the Head of Analytics and then the Risk Analytics Manager, leading research projects and building predictive algorithms for clients. Gondiken also played a significant role in expanding the company's business to end consumers by building consumer-facing data products.

In 2016, Gondiken joined FOODit.com as the Lead Data Scientist before moving on to Exponea in 2017. At Exponea, they initially worked as a Business & AI Consultant, focusing on various projects related to recommendation engines, predictive algorithms, and personalizations. Alper then took on the role of Lead Product Growth / AI Consultant, where they pushed, led, and owned the development of a Plug&Play product feature that significantly boosted sales and increased delivery efficiency. Gondiken also launched initiatives such as StartRight and ScaleRight that generated revenue for the company.

Currently, Gondiken is serving as the Head of Strategic Growth Initiatives at Bloomreach, where they are responsible for establishing a scalable growth base for the company. Alper coordinates various teams and stakeholders to enable speed, efficiency, and scaling. Gondiken also owns the Plug&Play product feature, which has brought profitability to the company.

Throughout their career, Gondiken has demonstrated expertise in strategic initiatives, product development, data science, and team leadership. Alper has consistently contributed to the growth and success of the companies they have worked for.

Alper Gondiken has a diverse education history. Alper started their education at MFL, where they earned the 1st Rank degree in Mathematics and Science from 2000 to 2003. Alper then continued their studies at Boğaziçi University from 2003 to 2008, where they obtained a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Industrial Engineering.

During their time at Boğaziçi University, in 2007, Alper Gondiken pursued an undergraduate exchange study program at Western Michigan University, focusing on Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering.

In addition to their formal education, Alper Gondiken has also earned certifications in data science and machine learning. In July 2014, they obtained a distinction-certified completion in "Developing Data Products" from Johns Hopkins University. In the same year, in June 2014, they achieved another distinction-certified completion in "Practical Machine Learning" also from Johns Hopkins University.