Signium Opens New Office in Istanbul
May 13, 2025 – Executive search consortium Signium has opened its newest office in Istanbul, Turkey, further strengthening its presence across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Neslihan Akan has been named as managing partner of Signium Turkey. “We believe that Turkey is one of the most promising economies in the world – vibrant, strategically positioned, and particularly rich in leadership potential,” said Annelize van Rensburg, chair at Signium. “Expanding into this market fulfils a major part of our broader strategy of growing our presence across the Middle East and neighboring regions. We’re confident that Neslihan and her team will make a significant impact on the executive leadership landscape.”
Signium Turkey will operate as an advisory firm focused on senior-level search, including CEO, CXO, and non-executive director roles. The firm will also offer leadership assessments and advisory services for boards and executive teams. In line with Signium’s global standards, the Turkish team is also committed to driving greater diversity and inclusion in leadership.
Ms. Akan, a long-standing advocate for women in executive roles, notes that while women represent nearly half the workforce in some industries, less than 20 percent of Turkish board seats on listed companies are held by women. With more than 15 years of executive search experience in the region, she brings a wealth of expertise in C-level placements and leadership advisory. Ms. Akan has worked closely with Turkey’s largest companies and multinationals, advising on CEO, CXO roles, and board-level placements. She most recently served as a senior client partner at Korn Ferry for nearly 15 years, where she specialized in C-suite and board-level placements across Turkey.
As the 16th largest economy globally, Turkey boasts a well-established banking sector, large industrial and FMCG companies, a rapidly growing tech scene, and active investment in renewable energy and e-commerce. Its location at the crossroads of continents makes it a strategic base for multinational firms seeking to operate across Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
Turkey continues to export top executive talent to the Gulf region, and beyond, particularly in digital transformation, risk and compliance, and ESG-related roles. The country’s high levels of digital adoption, mobile-first consumer behavior, and entrepreneurial culture have also made Istanbul an up-and-coming regional startup and fintech hub.
In addition, competitive executive compensation packages and a surplus of skilled, bilingual professionals make Türkiye an attractive market for international firms looking to appoint local leadership.
“Turkey’s location as a bridge between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia makes it a powerful hub for cross-border business and leadership talent,” said Ms. Akan. “We have a highly educated and globally mobile workforce. With more than half the working population under the age of 35, we have a rich pipeline of talent – not just for Turkey, but for the wider region.”
“This is an area where we hope to participate in real change,” she added. “Executive search isn’t just about filling roles – it’s about shaping the future of leadership in a way that reflects both performance and purpose. We want to see businesses reaping the many rewards of diverse leadership personas.”
Related: Signium Expands in France
Signium has 38 offices in 30 countries serving clients in the Americas, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific regions. The firm delivers talent acquisition and management solutions for global companies across industry sectors, including consumer goods, financial services, technology, industrial, life sciences, and professional services.
New Office in Dubai
Signium recently opened a new office in Dubai, UAE. This expansion strengthens Signium’s presence in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, complementing its existing Dubai leadership consulting office, led by managing partner Hisham El-Badawy since 2006. The new office is led by search veterans Jon Ashcroft and Mark Holdich, who have joined as managing partners. Together with Mr. El-Badawy, they will operate under the unified branding of Signium GCC, offering specialized services tailored to the region.
Signium Adds New Member Firm in Michigan
Signium has added Ann Arbor, MI-based Sigred Group. Together, Sigred’s senior partners Kristi Stepp and Mike Dergis each bring over 25 years of experience in human resources, organizational effectiveness, and executive development. “The world of leadership has undergone a profound transformation in recent years,” said Annelize van Rensburg, global chair of Signium. “Organizational structures have become more fluid, leadership styles have evolved, and the global business environment is more complex and interconnected. I’m confident that Mike and Kristi’s knowledge of the ever-changing leadership landscape, combined with Signium’s global reach and resources, will enable us to deliver even greater value to our clients around the world.”
“The GCC economies demonstrated resilience during 2024, achieving steady growth despite global challenges,” Signium said. “While the oil sector remains vital, the region’s focus on economic diversification has driven significant contributions from non-oil sectors such as tourism, trade, finance, construction, and manufacturing. This transformation has opened doors for business leaders across various industries.”
Mr. Ashcroft emphasizes the UAE’s role as a world-leading economy: “The UAE is a hub of innovation and investment, attracting talent and businesses from across the globe,” he said. “As sectors like fintech, real estate, and manufacturing flourish in Dubai and surrounding areas, the demand for highly skilled leadership is on the rise.”
“This collaboration creates synergies between our deep local expertise and the global reach of Signium,” said Mr. El-Badawy. “By combining our networks and resources, we’re in a favorable position to deliver comprehensive talent solutions for the GCC market.”
Related: Signium Adds Former HR Executive in Dublin, Ireland
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
