Aba Demirkan Email & Phone Number

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland

As the Outbound Sales Manager at IBM Digital Group, I led and monitored the performance of a high-performing team. Focused on driving sales in the Data & AI and Automation domains, I have exceeded monthly and quarterly sales targets since March 2022, while developing and implementing strategic sales plans to increase market share and revenue.As the sales leader, I coached, trained, and mentored my team to improve their productivity and skills. By implementing innovative sales initiatives, I drive the identification of opportunities and revenue growth. Through close collaboration with various departments and country stakeholders, I promoted efficiency across all business operations. This collaborative approach has consistently led to exceptional outcomes and measurable success.Achievements in 2H 2022:• Data & AI Revenue: Exceeded target by 103%• Automation Revenue: Surpassed target by 60%• Data & AI Signings: Achieved 222% of the target• Automation Signings: Exceeded target by 353%

In this position, I prioritized and organized the workload, managed communications, and handled administrative duties. This includes managing schedules, coordinating meetings, making travel arrangements, and maintaining a professional online presence. With a focus on efficiency and effective resource utilization, I contribute to project coordination and information gathering for the Digital Sales team. I implemented efficient resource utilization and enhanced processes and workflows. Additionally, I ensure smooth operations by monitoring and updating social networking sites.I bring a professional demeanor and thrive in fast-paced environments. My technical background and commitment to continuous learning enable me to think creatively and engage customers in innovative ways to drive business growth.Beyond my professional responsibilities, I am dedicated to making a positive impact in the world and giving back to the community.

This role enabled me to drive the generation of opportunities through various channels such as marketing activities, calls and live chats. Leveraging social selling, outbound campaigns, and video prospecting, I ensure a proactive approach to reaching our target audience. With a belief that collaboration is crucial to our project's success, I participated in bi-weekly 4-in-a-box sessions with the Chanel Ecosystem to foster strong partnerships and drive business growth. In addition, I was chosen to pilot test the MD003 IBM Global Leadership Training, contributing to the development of future leaders within the organization.Focusing on Rewards & Recognition and drawing on Design Thinking, I lead initiatives across the Digital Sales Dublin Center. I improved employee experience and championed a mindset of motivation and appreciation through innovative approaches. Promoting and spurring the adoption of Digital Sales Development methodologies and best practices were also my accountability as a DSD Ambassador. Moreover, I promoted inclusion and diversity within the Muslim community, as an engagement advocate at IBM.In addition to this role, I was also the Communication Focal Point for our Director of Cloud EMEA. I juggled multiple tasks such as blog creation, team communication, and preparation and execution of All Hands meetings. I enabled the team’s achievement of their goals by contributing to effective channels of communication and engaging content.

I managed a portfolio of 320 public customers, with a yearly revenue target exceeding €33 million. Through my expertise in Quote-to-Cash (Q2C) and Order Management (OM), I provided training on IBM contracts and facilitated cross-team interlocks to ensure seamless operations and customer satisfaction. As the Cadmin Europe Focal point, I serve as a key liaison between teams, ensuring effective communication and coordination across the organization. Additionally, I take pride in mentoring new team members by providing education and skill plans to support their successful onboarding and integration into the team.With forecasting SSL/Scorecard as an important part of my position, I analyzed data and trends to offer accurate forecasts and insights for business planning and decision-making. I participated in the EMEA/CEE Welcome Committee during the S&S University, contributing to a warm and engaging onboarding experience for new hires.As the Business Unit Meeting and Communication Plan coordinator for S&S and SaaS VP Mercedes Bofarull, I ensured effective team communication and alignment for successful outcomes. Additionally, as a Team Leader in the Core Group, I developed a comprehensive program to enhance leadership capabilities for IBM Team Leaders.

For 5 years, I exceeded annual revenue targets of over €10 million by nurturing relationships with key decision-makers. I maintained productive business connections and ensured a steady revenue stream. Seeking growth opportunities, I spearheaded initiatives such as license reinstatements, cross-selling, and license management. I played a crucial role in driving business transformation by enabling the transition from on-premise to Cloud/SaaS models. Additionally, I contributed to improvements in the channel and fostered seamless communications among teams by partnering as a Design Thinking Facilitator with the Channel Leader.Key Accomplishments:As Team Leader:- Awarded three times as a Team Player.- Coached and mentored sellers for better performance.- Delivered career talks on employee morale and identity.- Fostered a culture of open feedback.Vietnam IBM Service Corp - Department of Labor of Binh Duong, May 2018:- Reduced unemployment by forecasting market needs- Facilitated Design Thinking workshops- Presented data management roadmap and business plan- Guest speaker at Thu Dau Mot University on goal setting and career development.

In this role, I offered exemplary customer satisfaction and received 3 prestigious awards for my exceptional performance. My role encompassed facilitating order processing, invoicing, and delivery, and offering outstanding support to IBM Business Partners and Sellers across France, Benelux, DACH, and the CEEMEA markets.I also had the opportunity to lead the French/Benelux team, serving as the team ambassador in both Digital Sales and in-country. To overcome challenging market targets, I utilized the diverse skills of my team and developed a skills development program to enable them to address challenges going forward.

I drove business growth, exceeded sales targets, and delivered exceptional customer service as a Market Partner for MONAT Global, a company offering vegan skin and hair care products. With my strong networking and persuasive skills, I continue to build strong customer relationships and implement marketing strategies that answer the pain points of our target market. With my knowledge of sales strategies and techniques, I identify and capitalize on opportunities, boosting revenue and brand expansion. Using my expertise in negotiation and persuasion, I closed sales and developed long-term relationships with key customers.

France

I founded the business from scratch and oversaw the daily operations of a company producing and manufacturing home fabrics and textile articles (i.e., beddings, curtains, sofa cushions). One of my accomplishments was establishing subcontract partnerships with renowned industry leaders in France, including Leroy Merlin and Conforama. These partnerships enabled the company to broaden its network distribution and expand its client base, strengthening our market position.