FILE / STRATEGIC GROWTH STATUS / ACTIVE SINCE 2012

Işıl
Özden

Strategic Growth Executive
Cybersecurity Aerospace Defence

Over 13 years scaling technology-driven organizations across ICT, defence, aviation, energy, logistics, industrial, and government sectors — aligning corporate strategy, international partnerships, and cybersecurity governance with operational execution.

140 international partnerships tracked
01 / Briefing

Professional Summary

Strategic growth executive with over 13 years of leadership experience scaling technology-driven organizations across the ICT, defence, aviation, energy, logistics, industrial, and government sectors. Specializes in corporate strategy, international partnerships, cybersecurity governance and risk management, business development, and mission-critical defence programs. Proven track record working with senior stakeholders, OEMs, and international partners to align innovation with operational excellence and sustainable value creation. Leadership background overseeing global operations, cross-regional teams, and strategic partnerships, with a focus on enabling organizations to navigate complexity, accelerate transformation, and achieve long-term competitive advantage.

02 / Service Record

Professional Experience

FEB 2024 — MAR 2026 · ISTANBUL, TR

Vice President

Pavelsis Avionics — Defence & Aviation Industry
  • Spearheaded strategic growth, international partnerships, and business expansion initiatives within the defence and aerospace sector.
  • Directed global relations, partner development, finance, marketing, and business development activities.
  • Drove market penetration and investment opportunities, delivering sustainable value creation through manufacturing and R&D incentive programs.
JUL 2022 — FEB 2024 · ISTANBUL, TR

Director of Business Development

Pavelsis Avionics — Defence & Aviation Industry
  • Led business development initiatives in the defence and aerospace sectors, driving strategic partnerships, global relations, sales growth, and market expansion.
  • Managed partner enablement, marketing activities, and incentive programs supporting manufacturing and R&D investments.
  • Fostered collaboration with industry stakeholders and international partners.
JAN 2021 — JUL 2022 · GLOBAL

Executive Board Member

Eurasia Cyber Security Union Federation — Non-Profit
  • Supported strategic direction, governance, regional cooperation, and stakeholder engagement across the Eurasian cybersecurity ecosystem.
  • Contributed to initiatives strengthening cybersecurity awareness, collaboration, and resilience.
JAN 2017 — JUL 2022 · GLOBAL

Vice President & Secretary-General

ISSA Turkey Chapter — Non-Profit
  • Led strategic initiatives, governance activities, international partnerships, and community engagement for the Information Systems Security Association Turkey Chapter.
  • Advanced cybersecurity awareness, professional development, and industry collaboration across global networks.
JAN 2021 — MAY 2022 · ISTANBUL, TR

CEO & Partner

UITSEC Security Technologies Group — Cybersecurity
  • Defined and executed company vision, growth strategy, and business objectives.
  • Led operations, finance, corporate communications, sales, and business development initiatives.
  • Drove market expansion, strategic partnerships, operational performance, and long-term value creation.
DEC 2018 — JAN 2021 · ISTANBUL, TR

Executive Board Member & Deputy CEO

UITSEC Security Technologies Group
  • Provided executive leadership across operations, business strategy, finance, corporate communications, sales, and business development.
  • Shaped strategic direction, enhanced operational efficiency, and strengthened corporate governance.
  • Identified new growth and partnership opportunities.
DEC 2018 — DEC 2020 · ANKARA, TR

Vice President

InterProbe Information Technologies — Defence Industry
  • Led strategic initiatives across cybersecurity, intelligence & analytics, compliance management, global relations, business development, and sales.
  • Directed security strategy, risk management, threat intelligence, and compliance programs while fostering international partnerships and business growth.
  • Collaborated with executive leadership, government institutions, and global stakeholders to strengthen organizational resilience and support digital transformation.
OCT 2017 — DEC 2018 · ISTANBUL, TR

Director, Head of Compliance Management

UITSEC Security Technologies Group
  • Led compliance management, information security, cybersecurity, business continuity, and risk management initiatives to ensure regulatory compliance and organizational resilience.
  • Oversaw GRC programs, GDPR/KVKK compliance, and security governance frameworks.
  • Collaborated with executive leadership and international stakeholders to strengthen risk posture and operational excellence.
NOV 2015 — OCT 2017 · ISTANBUL, TR

Executive Assistant to the President and CEO

UITSEC Security Technologies Group
  • Provided strategic support to the President & CEO across cybersecurity, information security, R&D, GRC, project management, business development, marketing, and global relations.
  • Contributed to strategic planning, business model development, and stakeholder management.
  • Coordinated cross-functional projects supporting executive decision-making.
DEC 2012 — NOV 2015 · ISTANBUL, TR

Project Manager

UITSEC Security Technologies Group
  • Managed end-to-end cybersecurity, information security, and R&D projects, ensuring successful delivery within scope, timeline, and budget.
  • Coordinated cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and technical experts to design, implement, and optimize security-focused solutions.
JUN 2012 — NOV 2012 · ENGLAND, UK

Vulnerability Researcher Intern

PenTestUnit — Cybersecurity Industry
  • Completed training program in vulnerability research and ethical hacking.
JUN 2010 — SEP 2010 · ISTANBUL, TR

Intern

Turkish Airlines — Aviation Industry
  • Supported e-learning software development and content management.
JAN 2009 — DEC 2009 · ISTANBUL, TR

Assistant Manager for Student Branches

IEEE — Kadir Has University Committee
  • Provided organizational support across event management, public relations, global relations, student relations, and social media activities.
03 / Results
Key Achievements
+40%
Annual growth in strategic business unit
−25%
Compliance audit time via ISO 27001
£2M
Funding secured for cybersecurity project
140
International partnerships developed
+70%
Growth in international client base
04 / Systems

Core Skills

Information Security Cybersecurity Governance Risk & Compliance Business Development Channel Management International Business Growth Management Program Management Stakeholder Management Corporate Communications Sales & Marketing Business Planning M&A Budget Planning
05 / Credentials

Education & Certifications

Education

MBA
SAHA Academy — Tübitak Tüsside, 2022
MEng, Cyber Security
Sabancı University, 2019
Business Strategy & Planning, Summer School
Wimbledon College London, 2012
BEng, Computer Engineering
Kadir Has University, 2013
Physical Sciences
Istek Bilge Kağan Science High School, 2007

Certifications

ISO 22301 BCMS Implementation
BSI
ISO 22301 BCMS Lead Auditor
Vericert Belgelendirme
EU GDPR Data Protection Officer
The CPD Certification Service
ISO/IEC 27001 ISMS Implementation
BSI
ISO/IEC 27001 ISMS Lead Auditor
BSI
ISO 31000 Risk Management
ISACA
Financial Management & Strategic Planning Micro MBA
İstanbul Business School (MCT Group)
Network and Mobile Services Management
Vodafone Global
Budget Preparation Training
Sistem Global Danışmanlık A.Ş.
Legal Aspects of Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
Sistem Global Danışmanlık A.Ş.
Target Market Analysis
Sistem Global Danışmanlık A.Ş.
Company Valuation
Sistem Global Danışmanlık A.Ş.
Diction and Effective Speaking Training
Mehpare Çelik
Prospect Identification and Outreach Techniques
Sistem Global Danışmanlık A.Ş.

Training & Courses

BS 10012 Personal Information Management · Business Strategy & Development · Sales Strategy · Cyber Security · Cyber Intelligence · Finance Micro MBA · ISO 22301 BCM · ISO 31000 Risk Management · ISO/IEC 20000 ITSM · ISO/IEC 27001:2013 ISMS · ITIL · COBIT · CGEIT · CISSP · CISA · CRISC · PCI-DSS
06 / Network

Affiliations & Volunteering

  • Sabancı University Alumni — Executive Alumni Member, 2019–Present
  • ECSO — Member, Women in Cyber support, 2015–Present
  • ISSA — Member, Türkiye Chapter support, 2013–Present
  • IEEE — Organizational Management, Student relations, 2009–Present
  • SAHA İstanbul — Executive Alumni Member, 2021–Present
  • Kadir Has University Alumni — Executive Alumni Member, 2012–Present
07 / Bulletin

Writings

The EU AI Act and Compliance: Why It Matters for Turkish Companies

AI ACT // COMPLIANCE

AI regulation is no longer a topic for the future. With the EU AI Act, a new era has begun for organizations developing or deploying AI systems.

Read more

International Cybersecurity Thermometer inches higher in 2026

GLOBAL RISK INDEX

Major advances in AI are reshaping the cybersecurity landscape: boosting defenders' capability to detect and respond, while also amplifying concerns about AI-enabled cyber risk. The capabilities expected from major foundation models within six to nine months mark a watershed moment requiring a step change in international cybersecurity cooperation.

Read more

The Evolution of Phishing in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

AI // PHISHING

A look at how AI is reshaping phishing and social engineering tactics, and what security leaders need to rethink in response.

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Blockchain

DISTRIBUTED LEDGER

An overview of blockchain technology and its implications for security, trust, and business operations.

Read more