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TAV Group gone global with its legal power 
TAV AIRPORTS HOLDING’S POWERFUL LEGAL TEAM Consists of Banu Pektaş, General Counsel of the Legal Department of TAV Airports, and Ceyda Akbal, Bilde Bilen Gümüşçü, Melis Erkun and Pınar Tanılkan, fulfilling their duties under her supervision. The timely provision of legal protections of the company’s interests and preventing the eruption of disputes, informing the relevant departments on procedures and risks related to legal issues, as well as providing legal consultancy services required to ensure legal compliance of all activities and operations are among the duties of the Legal Department of TAV Airports Holding. Pektaş said: ”We carry out our work by sharing duties, consulting with each other and getting support from one another.” She added: ”Our team represents TAV Airports Holding as well as TAV Izmir and TAV IT, which are its affiliates. Within the given scope, we prepare legal documents, follow–up lawsuits and express our opinions on legal issues and procedures that might cause legal, financial and penal consequences. We provide services for international projects carried out by TAV Airports Holding at the stages of conclusion of tender and concession agreements, project finance and establishment of partnerships with third parties. Within this scope, we examine legal documents and prepare required legal documentation. At the above stated stages of international projects we receive support from local lawyers and international legal companies. We work in cooperation with our colleagues employed in all TAV Group’s companies.” Pektaş pointed out the importance of acceptance of the legal department as a business consultant trusted by other departments and providing added value, explaining that they are working to facilitate understanding of this aspect by others. 
DIFFERENCE OF TAV ISTANBUL’S EXPERIENCE IN INTENSE LEGAL PROCEDURES
Pınar Ergenekon, Legal Counsel at TAV Istanbul since 2000 when the Istanbul Atatürk Airport International Terminal was opened, is among the lawyers distinguished with both professional and sector–related experience. Ergenekon possesses an experience gained in the General Directorate of State Airports and has played an important part in establishment of the system. She stated that they have overcome adverse situations generally through interdepartmental know-how sharing and have produced solutions in cooperation. Ergenekon said: ”For every situation that we have faced we established various systems by acting conjointly with other departments. Every person that worked was new in this sector just like TAV, but we acted in cooperation, taking lessons and achieving significant success within a 10 year period. The legal team has played an important part in these achievements, influencing the company’s success. Because we are working with many different companies and international firms, in order to advance with them in the best manner we need to take strength from the law. The significance of the law must not be viewed only from the perspective of business, but also that of work quality, compliance with the law or resolution of disputes. At the same time one has to understand that a key role is assigned to the law through its ability to solve problems, manage decision making mechanisms, make correct determinations, prevent the continuation of disputes, and work towards the achievement of consent. Up to the present, we have not had any major legal problems here at TAV Istanbul. This is the result of the activity of our managers and our faith in the importance of establishing a system as well as the care we demonstrate for one another’s principles close communication with legal counsel.” Ergenekon gave the following information on operational processes carried out in TAV Istanbul: ”Primarily, on the front line, with the possibility of a dispute arising, the matter is conveyed to me and I am informed about risky companies. The department which issues the warning at the same time is the department responsible for follow–up of the issue, but I also formulate a preliminary opinion. If the issue becomes a legal issue, it becomes my responsibility and my duty consists of finding a solution for it. When the event that caused the dispute is resolved, I inform the relevant units and senior management on the way in which the matter was finalized. As in all companies which carry out intensive work in the service sector based on agreements, the law carries great importance for TAV Istanbul. Accordingly, preparation of agreements and protocols is completely my responsibility. Within this framework we continue our work with the companies under TAV’s aegis towards fulfillment of requirements in a coordinated manner.”
Legal Counsel Işıl Yılmaz and Lawyer Engin Özoğul are members of the legal team at TAV Construction. It is a vital part of the incorporated structure of the company, ensuring its steady progress within the country and abroad. Işıl Yılmaz pointed out the importance of lawyers within this structure as follows: ”Construction companies progress very rapidly when compared with other firms. We are working with engineering groups. Engineers do not and cannot wait because of the nature of their work. We, the lawyers, must be able to keep up with them. While they are setting the stones, we are preparing the legal base in a way that provides them with the strongest and most comfortable protection. The work carried out by us as the department of legal consultancy primarily consists of ensuring the legal flow of the issues related to the daily operation of the company. When all companies are conducting their activity, the boards of management make decisions, prepare powers of attorney, draw up various correspondences and need legal opinions and clarifications. We ensure the smooth running of these kinds of issues within the daily work flow of the company. The second issue is related to contract management. Contract preparation is the first stage of contract management. When you provide an engineer with an accurately prepared contract and determine the correct route map within the given contract, an engineer will address it when he/she gets stuck with certain legal issues during the course of the work, see the route map and prepare required correspondence by him/herself in accordance with the given reference. In the event of hesitation and when they are stuck on operational or legal issues, they refer to us and we provide them with information, stay at their side when necessary and guide them through the legal aspects. We do not make decisions of a commercial nature, but deal with appropriate legal formulation of commercial decisions, provide a base for them, participate in the negotiation process at the stage of contract preparation, when necessary representing the company before our subcontractors, employers and organizations, providing credit and ensuring inclusion of articles and clauses related to the company’s interests into the contracts. For these purposes you have to possess legal knowledge and basic awareness of commercial operations. At least you must understand commercial logic. We are also personally responsible for the follow–up of lawsuits and litigations. We do not hand the lawsuits over to external bureaus when the lawsuits are on issues related to our field of expertise. When we work with our external colleagues, we carry out the work in coordination with periodic reporting. At the end of each year we conduct risk reports based on the work observed by the department of legal consultancy and inform the relevant units of general directorates. We also follow up on the company’s compliance with legislation. As the vital part of legal risk management, we keep track of changes made in legislation, inform the relevant units of these changes and recommend relevant adjustments within the company required in the light of new legal regulations. Another duty fulfilled by us is follow–up of the company’s activities conducted in the international arena. When a project is undertaken, TAV Construction immediately initiates mobilization. At this stage the type of legal setup in the relevant country is determined. It will be decided whether the company will be opening a branch or a foundation in the prospective country. How will the Turkish workers be transferred to the site? What contracts will be used? When these questions are asked we are there and act to obtain the answers. Even at the bidding stage, when preparing joint venture agreements, we ensure inclusion of clauses and articles protecting the company’s interests into contracts by taking into account possible incorporation processes, and later deal with their legal management. We get acquainted with our colleagues abroad, screen them, select among the required proposals, conduct one to one interviews and start working with the most creditable people with the best qualifications. We are working with many colleagues in the Middle East, Europe and Northern Africa. With all of them we provide the integrity of legal risk management at headquarters and construction sites in cooperation and under appropriate coordination.”
WARRANTY OF LAW FOR TAV OPERATIONS SERVICES
Ruşen Gürlük was appointed as Contracts Attorney of the TAV Operations Services Joint Stock Co., home to the Department of Commercial Affairs. They conduct consulting activities related to revenues from non–aeronautical sources such as Havaş Tourism and Travel Agency, responsible for ticket, hotel reservations and arrangements, and ”primeclass,” providing special passenger services. Within this structure, Gürlük works quite intensively. Contracts for area allocation and advertising space, agreements concluded by the Havaş Tourism and Travel Agency, as well as contracts regarding provision of ”primeclass” service packages and operation of special Passenger Lounges are all under Gürlük’s responsibility. She also manages all the company’s judicial activities. Gürlük offers the following information on the scope of the work: ”Apart from dealing with trials and procedures regarding lawsuits brought by TAV Operations Joint Stock Co., for which I serve as a representative, or filed against the company, as well as enforcement proceedings, I am responsible for preparation of all contracts regarding renting of advertising space and commercial areas, operation of ”primeclass” Passenger Lounges, provision of Prime Pack service packages and procedures related to ticket, hotel reservations and arrangements made by the Havaş Tourism and Travel Agency with various companies. At the same time I prepare the contracts related to the company’s operations conducted abroad. I carry out all these tasks in close cooperation with the lawyers employed within TAV Holding and other TAV affiliates.” Ms. Gürlük pointed out that contracts are very important for ensuring successful continuation of activities and that they must be prepared with great accuracy: ”We are trying to prepare our contracts in a way that covers all basic risks and by minimizing the risks we are making efforts to ensure legal security. When business is conducted without any problems no one thinks of the protective nature of contracts. The contract is insurance which protects the company in the event of a dispute; it is one of the most vital instruments serving the company.”
HAVAŞ’S DEEP–ROOTED LEGAL CORPORATE EXPERIENCE
Çigdem Can started her professional career as a legal counsel just after the privatization of Havaş, the first company in Turkey to provide ground handling services. She has been fulfilling the duties of legal consultancy at Havaş since May of 1995. Following up all lawsuits filed against the company or brought by the company against third parties, carrying out procedures regarding registration of the decisions taken by the Board of Management in the trade register, auditing of all contracts including purchasing/sales and commercial agreements, reviewing of their legal validity and follow–up of procedures related to determining compliance of the procedures are among the jobs carried out under the responsibility of the Legal Department. In addition to the above–stated duties, in accordance with legal obligations and time frames in all follow–up procedures, we make every effort to protect our company from exposure to unjust sanctions by considering every issue that might result in material and/or moral liability for any reason.
DYNAMIC LEGAL APPROACH OF TAV ESENBOĞA
Yasemin Arıkan Yıldızca graduated from the Faculty of Law of Ankara University in 1980 and during her work as a self-employed lawyer on issues related to Administrative Law and Private Law prepared new legislation regarding the first ever Turkish Automobile Sport Federation, Advanced Driving Techniques Training Programs and Prototype Formula cars and races. Between 1996 and 2000 Arıkan provided consulting services for the Tepe Group. Since 1996 she has been working as legal counsel at TAV Esenboğa. Arıkan explains that at Ankara Esenboğa Airport they work with young and dynamic personnel who make a difference through their high quality of service. She says, “We meticulously review and evaluate customer complaints or disputes arising with regard to legal issues and primarily try to solve them by consent. Being with TAV allows one to view life from a wider perspective. Working for an international company is an honor, but the importance accorded to personal education is at least as important. While TAV Airports continues growing as a world brand it also elevates its personnel.”
TAV Group, which enjoys a leading position among the global players of the aviation industry by its projects and terminal operations, is supported by a strong legal team locally, an important component of risk management in international business. This is TAV’s legal power abroad! 
TAV Géorgie
Tamara Pirogova / Lawyer Pirogova, who has been with the TAV Family since commencement of TAV’s operations in Georgia, shared her thoughts about being with TAV: “Since joining the TAV Family, I fulfilled a variety of duties related to various operational processes. I was very glad that the experience and qualities that I possess were of great value for our company. Being a part of the TAV Family means being a member of a huge international family. I am immensely proud of it and, at present, I would like to continue to benefit this great family in the future.” (*) Pirogova earned her master’s degree from the Faculty of Law of Tbilisi State University and at the same time received her education in English Language and Literature from the Institute of Foreign Languages. In 2004 she started working at Tbilisi International Airport and simultaneously completed a Passenger Services course organized by the Institute of Aviation. 
TAV Batumi
Keto Safaridze / Lawyer Safaridze conducts follow-up of legal procedures at Batumi Airport in coordination with other lawyers employed at TAV Georgia. About being with TAV she says, “I am very glad and happy to work in a prestigious international company like TAV. Thanks to the experience I have gained here I have had the opportunity to expand my knowledge of international law. Furthermore, I have advanced my human relations skills. Because of these achievements I perceive myself as a very lucky person.” (*) After graduating from the Faculty of Law of Maxim Gorky State University and working in the Ministry of Internal Affairs as a researcher for 5 years, Keto Safaridze continued her career with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Autonomous Republic of Adjaria in the field of public security law. Through the Consulate General of the Republic of Turkey in Batumi she earned his master’s degree from Ankara University and in 2008 began her duties at TAV. 
TAV Tunisie
Kahena Mamlouk /Legal Counsel Manager Ms. Mamlouk expressed her feelings about working for TAV as follows: “Although this is not my first experience with an international company, I am very proud of being a part of the TAV Group and Family. TAV’s business and scope of its activity is making all of us learn and progress every day!” (*) Kahena Mamlouk was appointed to TAV Tunisia as Legal Counsel Manager in July 2007. She began her professional career in 2002 at Gide Loyrette Nouel Paris and in 2003 continued at Gide Loyrette Nouel Tunisia. She was admitted to the Tunisian Bar Association in 2003. She has a baccalaureate degree in literature – Tunis (1994) and a bachelor’s degree in Public Law from the Faculty of Juridical, Political and Social Sciences of the University of Tunisia II (1997-1998). Mamlouk has also completed a doctoral thesis in Public Law related to public and private partnership under Tunisian law, University of Paris II (pending). 
Fatma Mehiri / Legal Counsel
Ms. Mehiri says that she is proud of being part of the TAV Group of companies and that operation of TAV is a real opportunity for her to progress and to deepen her knowledge. (*) Fatma Mehiri was appointed to TAV Tunisia as Legal Counsel in October 2008. She began her professional career in 2004 at Me Cherif Materi’s office and in 2006 at ACR (Avocats Conseils Réunis). She was admitted to the Tunisian Bar Association in 2003. She earned her baccalaureate degree in l–Tunis (1993), a bachelor’s degree in private law (Maîtrise) from the Faculty of Juridical, Political and Social Sciences of the University of Tunis II (1997-1998), and a master’s degree in Business Law (DEA) from the Faculty of Juridical, Political and Social Sciences of the University of Tunis II (1999-2002). 
Ichrak Ayed / Legal Counsel
Ichrak Ayed expressed her feelings about working in TAV as follows: “It’s a great opportunity for me to work in connection with such an important project in Tunisia. It gave me the chance to put in practice my legal knowledge and especially to learn more and progress every day. I’m very proud to be a part of the TAV Group and Family. It’s a rewarding experience and I’m really enjoying it.” (*) Ichrak Ayed was appointed to TAV Tunisia as Legal Counsel in October 2008. She began her professional career in 2004 as a law lecturer at the university and as a barrister at the Tunisian Bar Association. She has a baccalaureate degree in literature from Mahdia (1996). She earned a bachelor’s degree in private law (2000) and master’s degree in private law - contracts and investments division, the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences – Tunisia (2004). Her doctoral thesis in International Law related to Freedom of International Investments, University of Paris I Panthéon- Sorbonne (pending). 
Najal Kallel / Legal Counsel
She earned her bachelor’s degree in law (Maîtrise) from the Faculty of Juridical, Political and Social Sciences of the University of Tunis II (2005-2006) and master’s degree in business law (DEA), (2008-2009). Her feelings about working in TAV are as follows: “Being part of a global company with international standing and ambitious projects in Tunisia is both challenging as well as engendering pride. As part of the legal team, I hope to develop myself and progress.” (*) Najal Kallel was appointed to TAV Tunisie as Legal Counsel in January 2010. She began her professional career in DHavocats, a Tunisian law firm specializing in business la w. In 2006 she completed a training program organized by the National Institute for Standardization and Industrial Property and was admitted to the Tunisian Bar Association in June 2009. 
TAV Macédoine
Meri Nedev / Legal Counsel Ms. Nedev, who has been working 16 years in aviation sector, joined the TAV Family last March. She expresses her pleasure to work for a world-known company such as TAV: “I am proud to work with a well-known and powerful international company like TAV. I believe that the advantages for my personal and professional development are great here. I am committed to making the greatest effort to be of great value for the TAV Group in running the legal processes required in Macedonia.” (*) As a young lawyer who graduated from the Faculty of Law, Meri Nedev began providing services to the management boards of organizations on regulatory activities, keeping, managing and coordinating correspondence for the Republic of Macedonia and state agencies. Nedev continues her education toward a postgraduate degree at the University of St. Kiril and Metodij located in Skopje. 
Aneta Naseva Cavdar / Legal Councsel
She expresses her feelings about working at TAV Macedonia in this way: “I appreciate the opportunity to work at an international company like TAV, and I expect Skopje Airport to become an international airport, the best in all the region.” (*) Aneta Naseva Cavdar has been working in Airports for 17 years. She joined TAV Macedonia in March 2010. |
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