DERNEK

Consulting

Murat Dernek, founder and consultant

Hospitality is where I come from. Creativity is how I think.

Murat Dernek, founder and consultant

Hospitality has shaped the way I see every business: through people, emotion and care.

Over thirty-three years, it has taught me to remain curious, read people, anticipate their needs and understand how emotion, detail and genuine care can turn something functional into something memorable. Creativity is how I translate those insights into distinctive brands, meaningful experiences and new business opportunities.

I believe the strongest businesses begin with imagination, but grow through clarity, discipline and consistency. A beautiful idea must become a sound business model. A compelling brand must keep its promise. An inspiring experience must be supported by standards that protect its quality every day.

I do not observe projects from a distance. I identify with them, take ownership of their ambitions and keep asking how they can become more relevant, more valuable and more meaningful.

That spirit is the foundation of DERNEK; the courage to imagine what could be, and the experience to make it real.

Murat DernekFounder & Consultant

Services

Consultancy Services

I work as an extension of the founder or owner—bringing clarity to complex decisions, challenging assumptions and taking ownership of the business’s ambitions. My role is not only to solve problems, but to inspire new possibilities and turn them into clear, commercially grounded action.

When developing a brand and its business, I bring together foresight, creative thinking and hands-on hospitality experience. The six areas below reflect the principal ways I support projects and organisations in creating distinctive experiences, developing their teams, improving performance and building lasting value.

  • 01
    PRE-OPENING & OPENING MANAGEMENT

    From early planning to opening day, I help turn a concept into a ready-to-operate business.

  • 02
    POSITIONING & BUSINESS STRATEGY

    Defining a clear position, a viable business model and a focused path to growth.

  • 03
    CONCEPT & MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

    Creating distinctive concepts and integrated destinations across hospitality, retail, residences and lifestyle.

  • 04
    REVENUE, SALES & MARKETING

    Building demand, strengthening commercial performance and connecting the brand with the right audiences.

  • 05
    OPERATIONS, PERFORMANCE & QUALITY

    Improving how the business runs—through clearer systems, stronger standards and more consistent delivery.

  • 06
    GUEST EXPERIENCE, SERVICE CULTURE & TEAM DEVELOPMENT

    Designing memorable guest experiences while building teams that can deliver them every day.

Experience

A graduate of Dokuz Eylul University Tourism & Hotel Management, speaking English, French and Russian.

Selected engagements · 2010 — 2026

  1. General Manager

    ORTUNÇ HOTEL

    Repositioned Cunda’s 20-year landmark as an adults-only luxury boutique hotel. As its opening General Manager, shaped the property’s positioning, guest experience and operations.

    2010
  2. Concept & Branding Manager

    TUI RUSSIA & CIS

    As Concept & Branding Manager, contributed to the creation and international positioning of the FUN&SUN resort brand. Led its implementation across resorts in Türkiye, Egypt, Greece and Spain.

    2012
  3. Founder

    MURAT DERNEK BRAND & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

    Founded an independent brand and business development company, combining hospitality expertise with creative direction and entrepreneurship.

    2013
  4. General Manager

    CLUB MARVY

    Led the 450-room destination resort and its 550-person team as General Manager, across accommodation, food and beverage, entertainment and large-scale operations.

    2018
  5. Director of Real Estate & Business Development

    MÖVENPICK HOTEL & RESIDENCES TEUTA KOTOR BAY

    Built the commercial model and sales framework for Montenegro’s first Accor Hotels project, a mixed-use hotel and branded-residences development. As Director of Real Estate & Business Development, oversaw its development and international property sales.

    2024
  6. General Manager

    YALIKAVAK MARINA HOTEL & AURA BEACH CLUB

    General Manager of Yalıkavak Marina Hotel, the luxury boutique hotel within one of the world’s leading superyacht marinas, in Bodrum. Oversaw the opening of Aura Beach Club, bringing high-end hospitality and beach culture together.

    2026

Ready for what’s next?

Tell us where you are going. We will shape the direction together.