SOCAR Türkiye Reciprocity Program | The Stevie® Awards for Sales & Customer Service

SOCAR Türkiye Reciprocity Program

Category Group: Sales Awards Achievement Categories
Category: Award for Innovation in Sales - All Other Industries
Organization Name: SOCAR Türkiye
Organization Description:

We are a pioneering energy company working with the most advanced technologies to provide social, economic, and environmental benefits to a sustainable life. As Türkiye's largest integrated industry group, we continue our activities in many sectors, primarily petrochemicals, refining, natural gas, trade, transmission, and distribution.

Briefly describe the nominated organization or individual: history and past performance (up to 1,250 characters):

SOCAR Türkiye, a subsidiary of the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), is one of Turkey's largest integrated energy companies and foreign direct investors. Since 2008, SOCAR Türkiye has played a pivotal role in strengthening the energy partnership between Turkey and Azerbaijan, contributing significantly to Turkey's economy and energy security. The company operates across the entire energy value chain-refining, petrochemicals, logistics, natural gas trade, and distribution-managing key assets like STAR Refinery, PETKİM, and SOCAR Terminal. With over 5,000 employees, SOCAR Türkiye is committed to operational excellence, safety, and sustainability, adhering to global standards. Its integrated structure enables synergy across subsidiaries, delivering consistent value to stakeholders, customers, and communities. SOCAR Türkiye's customer-centric and innovative sales culture drives its mission to provide reliable, high-quality energy solutions tailored to market needs. Through continuous investment in people, technology, and sustainable practices, SOCAR Türkiye acts as a bridge between Azerbaijan's energy resources and Turkey's dynamic market, fostering long-term economic and strategic cooperation between the two nations.

Outline the nominated achievements since July 1, 2023 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 1,500 characters):

Since July 2023, SOCAR Türkiye has launched the Reciprocity Program, a transformative initiative unlocking cross-company business opportunities and fostering a culture of collaboration-driven sales innovation. The program's design, governance, and value roadmap were developed in early 2024, followed by a company-wide rollout in April. Engagement has been exceptional: 258 initiatives submitted, 171 evaluated, and 36 presented to the Executive Board. Project teams manage an average of 50 active initiatives monthly. These efforts have yielded a financial potential of $10.3 million, with $4.9 million realized and verified through feasibility studies and audits. A key milestone was the Reciprocity Marathon in May 2024, where 40 participants from sales, procurement, and commercial teams collaboratively mapped the business ecosystem and identified high-impact opportunities. The program's measurable success led to a global extension in October 2025, initiating rollout across all SOCAR international operations. Initial challenges, such as siloed mindsets, were overcome through targeted change management and transparent communication, embedding innovation and collaboration into the company's DNA.

Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the organization's past performance (up to 1,500 characters):

The Reciprocity Program represents a paradigm shift in sales innovation at SOCAR Türkiye, transforming collaboration from an isolated practice into a core organizational capability. Unlike traditional sales initiatives focused solely on revenue targets, Reciprocity established a systemic, transparent mechanism that unites sales, procurement, and support functions across multiple subsidiaries, fostering a culture of shared success.

A standout feature was the two-day Reciprocity Marathon, where 40 cross-functional participants used structured stakeholder mapping and creative brainstorming to generate 12 actionable business opportunities-8 of which advanced to evaluation, with results expected by year-end. This collaborative approach replaced previously fragmented efforts, unlocking synergies that were previously untapped.

Comprehensive change management, led by the Change Management and Adaptation Team, ensured widespread buy-in through teaser videos, interactive newsletters, and success story spotlights. A recognition and reward system-combining monetary and non-monetary incentives-sustained motivation and reinforced the cultural shift toward collaboration.

Before Reciprocity, cross-selling among SOCAR Türkiye's subsidiaries was virtually non-existent. The program's integrated, cross-functional model, supported by transparent evaluation and recognition frameworks, has delivered tangible, measurable value and transformed the company's commercial landscape. Internal benchmarking now recognizes Reciprocity as the gold standard for collaboration-driven sales innovation, and its proven impact has prompted a global rollout.

This achievement is unique not only for its measurable financial results but also for its ability to drive lasting cultural change, positioning SOCAR Türkiye as a leader in scalable, innovation-driven sales transformation.

Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 1,500 characters):

The following supporting materials provide robust evidence of the Reciprocity Program's measurable impact and cultural transformation:

  • SOCAR Reciprocity Marathon Video: A video compilation of participant experiences, illustrating the program's influence on collaboration culture and organizational performance.
  • 'SOCAR'ı Sizden Dinleyelim' - Project Team Testimonials: Features project team members explaining the program's objectives and benefits, enhancing organizational understanding and buy-in.
  • Products & Services Catalogue: A comprehensive catalogue enabling collaboration by showcasing all group companies' and business partners' offerings.
  • Reciprocity Program - Monthly Progress Report - September2025: Summarizes program developments, financial outcomes, and next steps, demonstrating $4.9 million in realized value within the first 12 months. A sample report from September 2025 is attached.
  • Reciprocity Marathon Visuals: Captures the energy and outcomes of the two-day workshop, where 40 participants identified and developed high-potential cross-company business opportunities.
  • Program Communication Materials: Includes internal announcements, customer and field visit communications, and update briefings, highlighting increased awareness, engagement, and program adoption across the organization.
  • Reciprocity AI Agent : An innovative Microsoft Copilot-based tool that matches suppliers and needs, streamlining cross-company sales and procurement-a first in the industry.

These materials collectively demonstrate how Reciprocity has embedded collaboration, driven financial results, and set a new benchmark for sales innovation at SOCAR Türkiye.