Our Team

The dynamic Londonist team works from our London, Istanbul, and China offices. Embracing the ethos of diversity and inclusion, our offices are home to team members coming from various corners of the world, fostering a rich cultural tapestry by communicating proficiently in multiple languages

Asim Erturk

MANAGING DIRECTOR

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AMBITIOUS – INSPIRATIONAL – LEADER

  • Asim Erturk, the founder and managing director of Londonist, established Londonist DMC in 2013. His leadership and innovative strategies have propelled Londonists from 30 rooms to managing over 2,000 rooms across London.
  • His dedication to student welfare and his strategic acumen have been instrumental in shaping Londonist into a leader in the industry.
  • Asim Erturk’s efforts have consistently set new industry standards, ensuring every student finds a welcoming home away from home.

Umang Gandecha

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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HONEST – LOYAL – COMMITTED

  • Umang is responsible for the company’s international growth, securing team development and target achievement with remarkable leadership and vision.
  • He is fluent in Chinese, further enhancing his ability to connect with our diverse student communities and partners.
  • His passion for excellence and unwavering commitment to fostering supportive, high-quality student environments worldwide are commendable.

Fulya Dogan

TURKIYE DIRECTOR

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INDULGENT – WISE – IDEALISTIC

  • Fulya has 10+ years of managing experience in multiple industries and oversees the smooth running of the office, improving company procedures and compliance.
  • She creates and maintains a pleasant work environment, securing high levels of organisational effectiveness and communication while generating business and providing general administrative support.
  • Fulya effectively manages the Istanbul Office and represents Londonist at industry events, trade shows, and local community events.

Dinara Suleimanova

HEAD OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & PARTNERSHIPS - LONDON

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KNOWLEDGEABLE – PASSIONATE – COMMUNICATOR

  • Dinara leads the Business Development and Partnerships department, handling all aspects of the day-to-day running of the business.
  • She was co-opted onto the BETA Board of Directors and won the ‘Outstanding Departmental Manager’ award from the Lead5050 association.
  • As Head of Business Development & Partnerships, Dinara identifies and secures business partnerships with agents, institutions, booking platforms, and other players in the student market.

Dateme Tamuno

HEAD OF DIGITAL MARKETING - LONDON

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INSPIRING – INSIGHTFUL – ANALYTICAL

  • Dateme inspires the marketing team to amplify the Londonist brand and drive growth across several channels.
  • He has immense experience across various verticals from both the client and agency sides.
  • An avid runner, Dateme aims to complete 50 marathons before turning 50, with 11 marathons already completed.

Murat Aker

HEAD OF GROWTH & STRATEGIC OPERATIONS - ISTANBUL

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PASSIONATE – ENERGETIC – SOLUTION-ORIENTED

  • Murat guides teams to achieve remarkable growth, sales, and operational success across the London and Istanbul offices.
  • His leadership and strategic vision drive collaboration between IT and Marketing, leading to continuous improvements and operational excellence.
  • Murat excels in managing the product development lifecycle for Londonist, confirming products exceed market expectations and quality standards.

Anil Hayat

HEAD OF HUMAN RESOURCES - LONDON

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PLANNER – EMPATHETIC – SOLUTION ORIENTED

  • Anil provides strategic direction for HR functions, aligning them with organisational goals and maintaining consistency across multiple locations.
  • With experience in the HR sector of two countries, he leads global recruitment operations and policy implementations.
  • Anil navigates organisational changes, offering support and guidance to colleagues and leaders.

Sabri Hakan Ozdegirmenci

SENIOR MANAGER - STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS & ALLIANCE - ISTANBUL

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HONEST – CALM – PASSIONATE

  • Hakan follows up on leads and prepares daily, weekly, and monthly sales reports.
  • As the first point of contact with agency officials, he visits agencies periodically, providing up-to-date information and gathering feedback for necessary improvements.
  • He addresses issues experienced by agency students during their stay, facilitating smooth and positive experiences.

Mustafa Ozyildiz

FACILITIES MANAGER

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FUNNY- PERFECTIONIST- DISCIPLINED

  • Mustafa has been working with Londonist since 2018, utilising his expertise in international business.
  • He holds an undergraduate degree with honours from Istanbul Commerce University and a Master’s in International Business and Management from the University of Westminster, coupled with a background as a national athlete in Karate.
  • Motivated by planning, organising, and attention to detail, Mustafa strives for perfection in all of our company operations.

Joy Prakash Gupta

FINANCE MANAGER - LONDON

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ANALYTIC – INSIGHTFUL – RESULTS DRIVEN

  • Joy oversees financial operations, develops and implements financial strategies, and manages budgeting and forecasting.
  • He leads our global finance team with exceptional skill and dedication, driving financial performance and supporting growth across all locations.
  • Joy’s financial compliance expertise and strategic insights have been pivotal in the company’s overall success.

Richard Champkins

OPERATIONS MANAGER - LONDON

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SKILLED – DEDICATED – DYNAMIC

  • Richard excels in overseeing the daily operations of our student accommodation centres, maintaining strict adherence to health and safety regulations, and ensuring a consistently positive resident experience.
  • He manages check-ins and check-outs, promptly addresses resident concerns, implements engaging programs, and handles all administrative tasks related to student accommodation management.
  • Richard’s dedication and expertise significantly enhance the quality of life for our student residents.

Michael Zhang

SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVE - SHANGHAI

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CAPABLE – STRATEGIC – RESULTS DRIVEN

  • Michael is a seasoned sales professional with over five years of success across diverse industries, specialising in driving revenue through strategic sales initiatives and exceeding targets with a client-focused approach.
  • His adaptable nature allows him to thrive in dynamic markets, consistently closing deals, enhancing operational efficiency, and representing companies at industry events to foster brand visibility.
  • Michael brings a proven track record of leadership, collaborating cross-functionally to contribute to operational, financial, and marketing strategies, and is eager to elevate Londonist DMC’s sales performance and overall success.