1. What key leadership lessons have shaped your journey in FMCG?
Leading diverse teams and businesses across continents taught me the value of cultural understanding, flexibility, and adaptability, giving me the ability to pivot strategies across different markets. At JDE Peet’s, we often say “possibilities drive us,” and that mindset has taught me to keep challenging the status quo and embrace continuous learning.
2. How did you navigate the shift from commercial roles to general management?
I initially took responsibility to oversee JDE Peet’s business in Turkey temporarily, which then became permanent. My background in commercial and project management roles provided a strong foundation, but the key was focusing on learning from others, asking the right questions, and trusting my instincts when making critical decisions.
3. What’s been your proudest professional achievement, and why?
Leading JDE Peet’s business not just in one country, but across multiple continents is something I’m particularly proud of. It demonstrates how far you can stretch your leadership skills when you’re willing to step outside your comfort zone. Recent accomplishments that my team and I celebrate include localizing part of our portfolio in South Africa and successfully integrating the out-of-home channel with our retail business.
4. How has working across different countries shaped your leadership style?
Working across different countries requires strong cross-cultural empathy as there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ for culture. When I was leading the Baltics organization, I had people from seven different nationalities on my team. This necessitated the ability to listen deeply, observe context, and remain open-minded and flexible. I’ve learned to lead with respect, adapt my approach, and find common ground wherever I go.
5. What are the main challenges of managing 10 export markets in Africa?
Managing 10 export markets in Africa means juggling diverse cultures, different consumer preferences, logistical hurdles, regulatory challenges, and market volatility, all while driving growth, profitability, and brand consistency. Success depends on adaptability, deep local insights, and building robust partnerships with stakeholders who understand their markets intimately.
6. Why is advancing women in FMCG important to you?
Research across industries, including FMCG, consistently shows that gender-diverse teams lead to better innovation, decision-making, and financial results. In December 2024, JDE Peet’s received the prestigious 2025 Catalyst Award, which honours organizations excelling in gender inclusion, highlighting our commitment to advancing women at all levels of leadership. Beyond the corporate agenda, this is a personal mission for me, a lifetime promise I made to my mother when I was a child.
7. What advice would you give women aiming for leadership roles?
Take a leap of faith and step into visible, high-impact roles even if you’re not 100% ready. Don’t wait for perfect conditions; things are never perfect, are they? Once you seize the opportunity, deliver consistently because credibility is earned through results, and results speak louder than stereotypes. Build your network, find mentors, and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.
8. How do you encourage innovation in a fast-paced industry?
By creating a safe space for new ideas and encouraging teams to experiment and learn from failures. I believe innovation flourishes when people feel trusted and inspired. With brands like Jacobs, we’re constantly exploring how to connect meaningfully with consumers, whether through new product formats, enhanced experiences, or purpose-driven initiatives that resonate with their values.
9. Can you share a tough moment in your career and what you learned from it?
COVID gave the FMCG industry a significant shake. While we were fortunate to be operating in the ever-resilient coffee market, we had to make substantial changes to our ways of working to meet the influx of demand from lockdowns. To convey resilience and underscore the importance of persistence, I reminded my team of Samuel Beckett’s famous quote: “Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.” This became our motto for navigating during and after those challenging times.
10. How do your adventurous experiences influence your leadership?
They remind me to stay bold and take calculated risks. Whether it’s flying a plane or bungee jumping from 70 meters, I’ve learned that courage leads to growth both personally and professionally. My litmus test for many decisions has become: If you’re scared and excited at the same time, you should probably do it!
11. How do you balance your role with family and personal passions?
It’s mostly about making conscious choices, deciding what ‘not to do’ alongside ‘what to do.’ This isn’t always easy, but I prioritize what matters the most with a strong support system behind me. My family grounds me, and travel keeps me inspired. Finding small moments for myself helps me recharge and ultimately leads to better outcomes for everyone I serve.
12. What legacy do you hope to leave in the industry and beyond?
I hope to be remembered as someone who empowered others, especially women, and helped build businesses that are inclusive, resilient, and forward-thinking. Whether it’s nurturing young talent or helping JDE Peet’s coffee reach more households globally, I want my legacy to reflect purpose, possibility, and people-first leadership.
Short bio:
Banu Erkorkmaz is an accomplished Industrial Engineer with over 20 years of experience in the FMCG industry. She has held a variety of commercial and project management roles before transitioning into the general management space at some of the world’s leading FMCG companies, including Procter & Gamble, Mondelēz International, and JDE Peet’s. Banu served as Country Manager for JDE Peet’s in Turkey and later in the Baltics region, before relocating to South Africa with her family.
A strong advocate for women’s empowerment, Banu is a founding member of LEAD Network Turkey. LEAD (Leading Executives Advancing Diversity) is dedicated to attracting, retaining, and advancing women in the retail and consumer goods industry, fostering sustainable business value through inclusive leadership.
