Leadership

After graduating with double majors in industrial engineering and mechanical engineering, Esma Gulten embarked on her career at Siemens, an internationally recognized giant company. Following the successful completion of her university education, she assumed significant roles in various fields such as marketing, business development, strategic planning, project management, and corporate management. Over time, she ascended to a prominent position as the leader of the Strategy and Business Development department of Siemens' Energy Business Unit. The outstanding leadership and strategic thinking she demonstrated in these roles helped her become a recognized figure in the industry.

After achieving success in her professional career, Esma Gulten embraced the spirit of entrepreneurship and forged a new path as the co-founder and CEO of Gizil company. Operating in the engineering and digitalization sectors, Gizil GmbH quickly gained renown in Europe's oil, gas, chemical, and tank terminals sectors. Gizil's vision and innovative approach enabled the company to pioneer the digital twin management platform field with its award-winning Virtual Plant software.

In 2024, Gizil GmbH was recognized by Germany's Scale Up NRW program, commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action, and Energy of The State Of North Rhine-Westphalia. This success positioned the company among those with unicorn potential and further solidified Esma Gulten's status as one of the leading female entrepreneurs in the sector. She serves as an exemplary figure, showcasing how technical expertise and leadership skills can elevate both a company and women's entrepreneurship.

On March 12, 2024, Esma Gulten achieved a significant milestone that highlighted emerging stars in the tank terminal industry and honored individuals regarded as future leaders. She was awarded the bronze award in the Rising Star category at the Global Tank Storage Awards. This award is part of a campaign recognizing excellence in the tank storage and future fuel industry and identifying individuals with the potential to become industry leaders. Simultaneously, she was named in the "Forty Under 40" list at StocExpo, the tank terminals industry's premier event, further affirming her impact and leadership potential. These achievements represent important milestones, acknowledging both Esma Gulten's accomplishments with Gizil and her personal professional development.

Esma Gulten also contributes to the enhanced representation of women in STEM fields and entrepreneurship. Her story underscores the significance of determination, passion, and innovation on the journey to success.

Ali Utku Can is a multidisciplinary engineer with dual degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering, further enriched by a Master’s degree in Automatic Control. After completing his academic training, he commenced his career at Tupras Refineries, one of Europe's largest refineries, where he joined as a promising young talent in the investments department.

During his tenure at Tupras, Ali Utku Can played critical roles in large-scale and strategically important projects. Notable among these were the $2.4 billion Resid Upgrading Project (2009-2012), which included an 80 MW Cogeneration Power Plant and Auxiliary Services, the $100 million Gasoline Specifications Improvement Project (2007-2009), and the $360 million Diesel Hydro Treating Reformer Project (2003-2007), which also featured a 40 MW Cogeneration Power Plant. His success in these projects demonstrated his exceptional expertise in both technical prowess and project management capabilities.

Combining his deep knowledge in engineering and technical leadership with an entrepreneurial spirit, Ali Utku Can co-founded and now serves as the COO of Gizil GmbH. Gizil operates in the fields of engineering and digitalization and has quickly become a notable name in Europe's oil, gas, chemical, and tank terminal industries. The company’s award-winning Virtual Plant software has brought a breath of fresh air to the digital twin management platform sector.

In 2024, Gizil GmbH successfully entered Germany's Scale Up NRW program, marking it as a company with unicorn potential. Under Ali Utku Can’s technical leadership, Gizil not only continues to offer technological innovations but also redefines industry standards by integrating engineering disciplines with digital solutions. Ali Utku Can stands out as a pivotal figure driving change and growth in the industry by merging technical excellence with innovative entrepreneurship.