Get to know our people - Gok Sevimli

1. I’ve worked in Viva Energy’s business since June 1999, starting when it was Shell.
2. My first job was as a chemist working in the Quality Control laboratory, testing lubricants that were previously manufactured on site at our Newport Facility.
3. The worst job I ever had was as a Telemarketer working part-time in the evening whilst at Uni. From this, I learned patience, understanding and resilience!
4. My current role is within the Aviation business as an Account Manager for International Airlines. I also manage a portfolio of corporate and private aircraft customers who use our Jet Valet service.
5. I help people reach their destination by making sure contracts and agreements are in place so our customers can refuel and be on their way as soon as possible.
6. The best part of my job is working with such a diverse range of customers, from Senior Airline executives and Chief Pilots to Procurement Executives. Their needs are essentially the same - competitively priced, quality fuel that can be delivered safely and reliably without delay.
7. The biggest misconception people have about my role is that I frequently travel to all parts of the world to meet with the International Airlines. Unfortunately, like many roles these days, even before the pandemic, most of my work is via phone and email.
8. I was led to this career through my background in Operations. After a short stint in the laboratory, I moved through various Operational roles in Lubricants. I was then lucky to secure an opportunity in Aviation as a Network Manager for QLD and NT, managing 27 regional airports. The step across to Aviation Sales seemed like the next relevant move so I didn’t hesitate when a position in the Sales team became available.
9. I prefer to start the day with an espresso while reviewing items from the day before.
10. I prefer to end the day by making sure I completed what I set out to at the start of the day.
11. The one behavior I attribute my success to is being open and honest with everyone I deal with as that’s what sets the foundation for solid relationships.
12. The one thing that surprises me about working at Viva Energy is our ability to swiftly respond to changing market conditions and customer demand. Our capacity to be responsive to our customer’s needs was put to the test following the significant impacts of COVID-19 on the Aviation industry. As an organisation, we remained committed to supporting our customers through this difficult period and introduced more flexible payment terms whilst continuing to refuel flights transporting freight and returned travelers.
13. The most important skill every person should have is adaptability. When COVID-19 hit, my role supporting international airlines was also grounded. I was thankful for the opportunity to focus on operational projects for our aviation business which included securing new supply locations, and expanding the services we could offer to our business and private jet customer’s through partnerships with specialist aircraft management companies.
14. The one topic I wish I knew more about is the stock market.
15. Early bird or night owl? Night owl mostly but that sometimes depends on the previous day….

Learn more about how Viva Energy supports the Aviation industry.