Zehra Zeynep Dereli is a dynamic leader with extensive experience spanning the energy sector, technology, international affairs, and finance. She currently serves as the CEO of ODAS Enerji CA LLC, the entity operating the 174 MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power plant in Khorezm, Uzbekistan. 
Complementing her deep involvement in the energy sector, Zeynep is actively engaged in technological innovation. She is a partner in Virtual Mind Solutions (VirtualMS), a London-based Generative AI and Systems Integration company. This aligns with her entrepreneurial background, notably as the founder of TINK, Technology and Humanity Colleges. TINK was Turkey's pioneering technology-focused K12 school, recognized globally for its innovative educational model and earning Zeynep the Female Entrepreneur of the Year award in Turkey in 2021. 
Zeynep's career includes significant international exposure. She established and directed the Turkish offices for the Atlantic Council, a renowned global affairs think tank, and APCO Worldwide, a global strategic communications firm, subsequently taking on broader international roles within these organizations. Her earlier experience was forged in the energy and finance sectors at Shell, where she worked in derivatives trading, risk analysis, research, and financial/procurement analysis roles in both London and Turkey. She was also a key member of the M&A team at the investment bank Dundas, Unlu & Co. Her past roles include serving as an Executive Board Member at Calinos Holding, where she also led the strategic direction as CEO of the conglomerate's Agriculture, Mining, and Energy businesses. 
An active voice in public discourse and policy, Zeynep previously held elected office at the Istanbul Sisli Municipality council and served as a consultant for the Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism. She also produced and hosted the weekly foreign policy television program, “Leaders and Decisions,” on SKY Turk and CNBC-e. 
Zeynep maintains strong affiliations within the international business and academic communities, serving as an advisory council member at the SOAS/London Middle East Institute and as the President of the eMind Foundation. She is a founding member of Endeavor Turkey, championing high-impact entrepreneurship, and previously served as President of TABA/AmCham Turkey. 
Zeynep holds a Master’s degree in Development Economics from the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) and earned her BA in Economics with a certificate in Near Eastern Studies from Princeton University.