Keynote Speakers
Prof. Dr. Guclu Atinc - Dean of the Langdale College of Business Administration, Valdosta State University
Dr. Güçlü Atinc is the Dean of the Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration and Professor of Management at Valdosta State University. His research spans corporate governance, organizational politics, workplace behavior, and methodological rigor in management scholarship. His work includes influential contributions on control-variable use in organizational research, corporate governance mechanisms and their behavioral implications, and large-scale analyses of survey response practices in business disciplines.
Prior to joining VSU, Dr. Atinc held several academic leadership roles at East Texas A&M University, contributing extensively to AACSB accreditation, strategic planning, and curriculum development. His administrative approach emphasizes data-driven decision-making, experiential learning, and global engagement.
Dr. Atinc remains actively engaged in scholarly collaborations and doctoral/graduate mentorship, with ongoing projects in governance, organizational behavior, and research methods. He holds a DBA and MBA from Louisiana Tech University and a BS from Troy State University.
Topic: “The Impact of Gender Quotas on Corporate Boards: A Cross-Country Comparative Perspective”
This keynote will highlight the core insights from my international study examining how gender quota legislation shapes board composition, governance quality, and firm outcomes across 18 countries. I will discuss what quotas effectively change—most notably the significant increase in women’s representation and the strengthening of board independence—while also clarifying where their influence is more limited, such as short-term accounting results and innovativeness. The talk will conclude with implications for policymakers and corporate leaders, offering evidence-based guidance on how regulatory approaches to diversity reshape organizational behavior and market perceptions.
Dr. Hasan Süel - External Affairs Director at Vodafone Türkiye
Dr. Hasan Süel joined Vodafone Türkiye in 2009 as External Affairs Director. In addition to this role, since 2010 he has chaired the Vodafone Türkiye Foundation, leading projects implemented in line with Türkiye’s priority social needs.
Between 1993 and 2001, Dr. Süel served as Director of the Telecommunications Sector at the Prime Ministry Privatization Administration. He then held senior roles in corporate communications and regulation at JTI International and Aria.
A graduate of the Middle East Technical University Faculty of Engineering, Dr. Süel completed his master's degree at Bilkent University in Business Administration and his doctorate at Ankara University Faculty of Political Sciences in Business Administration.
Topic: “A Digital Future for All: Harnessing Technology to Drive ESG and the SDGs”
This keynote will highlight the role of technology in driving change. It will showcase Vodafone's purpose-led approach and how we integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) into our business. Digital technology is transforming the way we live, work, and govern-and its impact on ESG priorities is profound. As digitization becomes a cornerstone of global progress, we must harness its potential to accelerate climate action, foster social inclusion, and strengthen trust in governance. Yet, with opportunity comes responsibility.
To ensure technology serves both people and the planet, we need a holistic approach that balances innovation with ethical and sustainable practices. By aligning the benefits of digitalization with ESG principles, we can create pathways that advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and deliver a fair, inclusive future for all.