Hello Şükran, sustainability has always been a key focus at Hellmann, and the company has been a pioneer in many areas. How do you feel about leading this crucial division, especially now that sustainability is being strategically anchored at the Management Board level?

Şükran Gencay: It’s incredibly exciting and a significant responsibility to take on such a central role in sustainability at Hellmann at this time. I’m deeply grateful for the trust placed in me and am full of confidence and energy for the steps ahead. 

In my previous role, I was fortunate to contribute to the development of the Hellmann Promise, which strongly emphasizes sustainability as a core aspect of our corporate culture. Stepping into this new position feels like the natural progression to work on the tangible implementation of that Promise.

In recent months - especially since the birth of my daughter - my perspective on sustainability has expanded in a particularly meaningful way. This new chapter in my life has heightened my awareness of sustainability's importance. As I now consider my daughter’s future, it’s more important than ever for me to actively contribute to shaping a world that remains livable and healthy for future generations.

What steps will you take first to further develop the social aspects of the sustainability strategy at Hellmann?

Şükran Gencay: The social dimension of sustainability is vast, encompassing a wide range of topics, which presents a significant challenge. Therefore, our initial priority is to establish a clear focus by setting both medium-term and long-term goals. This involves carefully evaluating which issues to address, when, where, and how, to ensure that our resources and efforts are used most effectively. It is essential to me that we approach every initiative with full commitment and passion, avoiding any half-hearted efforts.

Our first step will be to strengthen the Hellmann Promise, embedding it even more deeply within the Hellmann FAMILY through innovative approaches and concepts. Our organizational culture is the foundation of our commitment to all social matters, ensuring that our values and principles are consistently reflected in our daily actions across the globe.
In the coming months, we will also prioritize the topic of diversity. As a global logistics company, we collaborate daily with people from diverse backgrounds, and we regard diversity as a vital value that must be upheld. We are firmly convinced that embracing diversity within our teams is crucial to effectively addressing the complex challenges of today and the future.

What long-term visions do you have for the social dimension of sustainability at Hellmann, and how are you preparing the company for future social challenges?

Şükran Gencay: That's an excellent question, and while I may not have all the answers yet, one thing is clear: I believe we should view social sustainability primarily as an opportunity. The social dimension of sustainability is fundamentally about people, and that’s what makes it so crucial. Our approach will align with our corporate vision, “For the better. Together.”. We are committed to pursuing "the good" and "doing better," firmly believing that this can only be achieved collaboratively - together with the entire Hellmann FAMILY, our customers, our partners, and civil society.
To prepare for future social challenges, we must intensify our efforts in dialogue, networking, partnerships, and fostering open and honest collaboration. I’m genuinely excited about this journey, and I’m confident that, with our strong corporate culture, Hellmann can and will accomplish a great deal.

Thank you, Şükran, for your time. Wishing you the best of luck in your new role!