Umit graduated from Cukurova University, Mersin Tourism and Hotel Management Department in 1991 and started his professional working career as a Regional Sales Manager at Raks Electronic. Following three years of banking experience at the Department of Loans at Turkish Industrial Development Bank, he decided to change his career and move to hospitality at the Hilton Istanbul Hotel.
During his ten years tenure at the Hilton Istanbul, Umit has worked in several different roles in Front Office and became Front Office Manager.
Umit has taken the challenges as General Manager in several five-star hotels in Istanbul, Antalya and Bodrum, and made his name by developing each of these hotels on both top-line and bottom-line simultaneously.
As a result, Umit appointed as the first General Coordinator for Richmond International Hotel Management Company. During his tenure between 2007 and 2019, and under the leadership of Umit, the company has created a new management structure, increase its profitability, operational effectiveness as well as core brand value. The success of the company has paid its dividends by receiving several internationally recognised prestigious awards in group hotels.
Umit has a passion for developing himself as well as people around him. His management style emphasises the importance of growing together and therefore; he guided the company creating detailed training programs and processes on effective management techniques, sales and revenue development and financial awareness.
He led his team to spot, attract, develop and retain talent within the company by conducting regular workshops and training programs, and invited to share his experiences in various universities.
Umit is an active member of TUROB (Hotel Association of Turkey) to help develop the Turkish Tourism Industry. He believes that continuing professional development is essential because it ensures us continue to be competent and competitive in our profession. Therefore, he is currently completing post-graduate education in Tourism Management at Sakarya University on “Digital marketing transformation in Tourism.”
Following his over 27 years of progressive management and leadership experience, Umit Yasar Atalay has decided to share his experience and expertise as a trainer and consultant. His motto is “you don’t know what you don’t know” which leads to a valid question that knowing we do not know everything, what is the best way to learn more? He feeds his curiosity with this question which motivates him to learn more and share more with the others.
Umit Yasar Atalay is married and has a son. He actively involves in yoga and swimming to keep his body and mind fit and healthy.