Selen builds bridges across business and culture

Selen Atli Cetin was born in Turkey. That’s a long way away from her home today in New Jersey, USA, where several days each week she sets out on her two-hour morning commute to the DLL office in Pennsylvania. “I could have had several jobs closer to home,” says Selen. “But I didn’t want them. I had worked at DLL Turkey and I was on a mission to become a DLL USA member.” Mission completed!

Born at the crossroads

Selen was born and raised in Istanbul, that magnificent city where the Bosphorus Bridge connects Asia and Europe. It’s fitting that she originates from these crossroads of East and West. Her life and her career at DLL are very much characterized by connecting and building bridges.

A career in law

In 2004, Selen received her Law Degree from Marmara University, one of the oldest educational institutions in Turkey. A year later, she began her legal journey at Gürcan Law Offices, a large Turkish firm with clients around the world.

She advanced quickly to Senior Lawyer, Head of Litigation and eventually Partner, specializing in Global Finance Corporate Representation. Her focus on international finance did not go unnoticed. “I was approached by a headhunter about a position at DLL. My first response was ‘No,’” says Selen. But the headhunter was persistent. He called back a few weeks later.

Building DLL Turkey Vendor Finance and the Top 500 Powerlist

“This time he was more convincing,” says Selen. “Vendor finance was not common in Turkey. That was intriguing. So I eventually met with the DLL General Manager in Turkey, who told me how the company was introducing a new finance concept to the Turkish market and connecting to global customers. It all sounded very exciting!” It was an offer she couldn’t refuse! Selen said “Yes”.

From 2015 to 2023, Selen was the Chief Legal Counsel and Compliance Officer of DLL Turkey. She helped implement key initiatives such as GDPR and privacy. She ensured company activities complied with relevant laws and DLL global standards. She negotiated with vendors alongside the commercial teams, balancing commercial requirements and DLL overseas practices.

“It was one big exercise in bridge building,” says Selen. “Connecting teams. Connecting departments. Connecting with regulators and customers, locally and globally.” And she built a stellar reputation. In both 2022 and 2023, Selen was named to the General Counsel Powerlist Legal 500, a UK-based publication that recognizes the most influential and innovative general counsels and in-house legal teams globally.

Moving to America

But in 2023, life took a turn. DLL decided to close its offices in Turkey. “I was disappointed,” says Selen. “But new opportunities opened up. My husband had started a business in the USA, so we decided to move there with our 5-year-old son. A big move. Very exciting!”

Thanks to her husband’s business, Selen was eligible for a US working permit. She wanted to go back to work and continue her career. But she didn’t want just any job. She wanted to work at DLL.

Drive to work at DLL

“I loved working at DLL,’ says Selen. “I love the people, the company, the teamwork, the culture. I was on a mission!” Selen’s home in northern New Jersey is a two-hour commute from DLL offices in Pennsylvania. A long drive, but “just doable” by US commuting standards. “

At DLL Turkey, she had built a large network in the company with colleagues from around the world. She started contacting everyone she knew who might have a job tip. You can still see the efforts on her LinkedIn profile. It’s full of glowing recommendations from that time from DLL members.

Perseverance, ingenuity and networking worked

It worked! In September 2024, Selen started full-time as Privacy Coordinator Operations at DLL in the USA, where she is the link between commercial activities and the Privacy, Legal & Compliance department.

“I always wanted to be part of the core business,” says Selen. “In this position, I work closely with the business teams and advise them on how to comply with privacy regulations while hitting their targets. I’m right in the middle of the action, connecting people and working with all DLL Business Units and departments from Sales and Marketing to Customer Service and IT.”

Fascinating and of critical importance

Thanks to her background with DLL in Turkey, Selen has a broad knowledge of international privacy regulations as well as DLL global policies. For insight into local laws in the United States, she works closely with the DLL Legal & Compliance departments in the USA.

“It’s the perfect position for me,” says Selen. “I’m particularly excited to specialize in privacy. It’s a fascinating, rapidly evolving field that is more critical than ever in our world today.”

"My husband said I was crazy”

Selen was incredibly excited to rejoin DLL after a year away. “It feels like a home and family to me,” she says. “It’s a company that truly cares about its people, placing a strong emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion. I’m immensely grateful for the opportunity to continue my journey with such a dedicated and caring team.”

Speaking of the journey, when Selen heard she was hired, she was delighted. There was just one thing. The two-hour commute. “My husband said I was crazy,” says Selen. But the supportive DLL environment and focus on work-life balance make it possible.

“Thanks to the hybrid working policy, I work part of the week from home. The DLL flexibility lets me bridge my personal and professional life, and that’s essential to a successful career.”