Who is Ussal Şahbaz?
I am the managing partner of Ussal Consultancy, a government affairs firm that specializes in business diplomacy, focusing on technology businesses operating within the Turkish market.
I aim to raise awareness and provide guidance for my audience through the content I create on issues at the intersection of technology, society, and policy.
If you're curious about the latest developments in Turkey and around the world, you've come to the right place!
Career Background
I graduated from Middle East Technical University (METU) with a degree in economics in 2003 and pursued a master's in economics at Bilkent University the following year. My career has included roles such as an expert at the Turkish Competition Authority and a consultant for the World Bank in Washington. In 2010, I completed a second master's degree in international development at Harvard University.
Professionally, I've spearheaded significant initiatives, including leading the creation of one of GE's global innovation centers in Istanbul, where I served as the Turkey branch’s Innovation Director until 2018.
During my tenure as Turkey's Innovation Director until 2018, I launched one of the eight global innovation centers established by GE (General Electric) in Istanbul. In the same year, I left this position to found my own company, Ussal Consultancy. Currently, I provide public relations consultancy services to various companies, ranging from small to large, particularly in the technology, healthcare, and fintech sectors.
English 
Turkish