Zeynep Yalım Uzun RC 86 Joins Fenerbahçe Sports Club Board

“Passion drives sports, but professionalism sustains it.”

A seasoned executive and a lifelong Fenerbahçe fan, Uzun is committed to making sports a more inclusive arena.

How involved were you in sports at RC? 

I was quite active at RC — maybe not the star athlete, but definitely a spirited participant! The Plateau was a fantastic place where I would often go running with my best friend, Dilara Göksel. We even participated at one of the first Avrasya Marathons) as one of the few young women running. RC, with its many sports facilities, encouraged me at an early age to express myself with sports. I was also a licensed  sailor. 

What influenced your decision to join the Board of the new Fenerbahçe administration?

It was a mix of passion and purpose. As a lifelong Fenerbahçe fan, I have enjoyed being a dedicated  spectator .I felt this was a moment when sports clubs needed to evolve — to bring in new perspectives on governance, brand building, digitalization, and social impact. I also believe that greater female representation and diversity can help the sports world advance in a positive way. So when President Sadettin  Saran offered me the opportunity to join his team, I saw it as a chance to serve the club I love, while contributing my leadership and marketing experience to help shape a more modern, inclusive, and future-ready Fenerbahçe.

What added value and skills can people from non-sports-related careers bring to sports clubs?

A great deal actually! Modern sports clubs are complex organizations, needing strategic thinking, brand management, financial discipline, community building, and digital innovation, not just athletic excellence. People from different professional backgrounds bring diverse lenses that can strengthen the club’s institutional foundations. Passion drives sports, but professionalism sustains it.

What are your observations about sports club management so far? Have there been any surprises or unexpected aspects to the role?

What has surprised me most is the intensity of emotion. In business, we talk about brand love; here, we  live it every day. Every decision is felt instantly by millions of people. That level of engagement is both the biggest challenge and the biggest privilege.

The level of professionalism behind the scenes is also impressive — the dedication of our teams, the volunteer spirit and commitment  of the Board, and the shared ambition to make Fenerbahçe a club that not only wins but leads by example.

Ebru Köksal RC 86 Leads In Creating A More Equitable Football Industry

“Sports has an extraordinary power to challenge stereotypes, promote inclusivity and redefine what leadership looks like.”

Ebru Köksal is a non executive director (NED), working with a range of organisations across public, private and voluntary sectors and also the chair of the international NGO Women in Football. She was Turkey’s first female CEO of a men’s football club, namely Galatasaray.

Any memories from the times you played basketball at RC?

I remember vividly the sense of belonging and the camaraderie that sports created. Mr. Cameron and Mr. Phillips taught us discipline and teamwork, but also resilience, how to bounce back after a loss, how to show up for each other no matter what. From our class, we were eight members on the team and we are still closest friends for life.

Your career includes many sports-related firsts. Which of these have been particularly fulfilling for you, and why?

Becoming the first female CEO of a men’s football club in Turkey and one of the first in Europe was both the most challenging and the most fulfilling milestone of my career. Leading Galatasaray was an incredible honour but also a profound test of resilience and courage. It opened the door for other women to aspire to leadership roles in football and breaking barriers in a traditionally male dominant industry remains one of my greatest sources of pride.

Being the “first” or the “only” one has never been what mattered most, ensuring that you are not the “last” is the real legacy. 

Equally fulfilling has been my work with Women in Football, a UK-based NGO with over 12,000 members worldwide. Through our leadership programmes and advocacy, we help women develop their skills, thrive in football and reach senior roles, building a more inclusive and equitable industry for generations to come.

How did RC impact your leadership journey?

The school’s emphasis on critical thinking, community service and forward thinking laid the foundation for my leadership style. I learned to challenge norms respectfully, to lead with integrity and to value collaboration over competition. These principles have guided me through every boardroom and strategic role in my career.

In what ways can sports contribute to gender equality?

When women are visible as players, coaches, executives and leaders of sports organizations, they inspire a new generation to believe that anything is possible.

What advice would you give to RC students or graduates considering a career in sports management?

If you’re passionate about sports and curious about the business behind it, sports management can be an incredibly dynamic career. My advice: start by understanding the whole ecosystem from athletes to governing bodies, media to sponsors. The industry needs visionary leaders, who combine business acumen with purpose and heart and I believe RC graduates are uniquely equipped to rise to that challenge. Barriers exist to be broken. If you love the game, there’s always a way to make your entry and leave your lasting mark.