In January 2025, Burcu succeeded Dr Pierce Riemer as Director General.
Burcu worked for Turkish Petroleum (TPAO) for 28 years, latterly setting up and assuming the role of Managing Director of the Carbon Management Department, overseeing corporate roadmaps and energy transition initiatives covering energy efficiency, GHG emissions management, carbon markets and renewables. Previous roles which Burcu has held within Turkish Petroleum include Deputy Managing Director of the Strategy Department, Head of the Corporate Communications Division, Manager of the Sectoral Analysis at Strategy Department, and Expert at the R&D Center. Prior to joining TPAO, she has been involved in academia as a research assistant for 2 years.
Burcu has been involved with WPC Energy for over 17 years as the executive secretary of the Turkish National Committee and was the founder of the WPC Energy Mentoring Programme. She has been a member of the WPC Energy Executive Committee (Board) since 2012 and her roles have included Special Advisor, Current Host & Past Host Country Representative, and most recently Vice President, Finance.