Meet Our Team
Experienced professionals dedicated to creating unforgettable personalized travel experiences.
KORAY EDEMEN
President & Founder
Koray Edemen, a native of Ankara, Turkey, is a seasoned travel industry expert and the founder of Keytours Vacations. He began his career as a travel director and licensed guide in Istanbul and Cappadocia while earning a B.S. in Mathematics and Computer Science. At 22, he launched his first company, catering to American military personnel and diplomats in Turkey. In 1993, he co-founded Keytours Vacations in the U.S., which quickly became a leading tour operator for Europe and the Mediterranean.
Over the past 26 years, Edemen has diversified his investments across transportation, hotel management, and online travel ventures. Known for his hands-on leadership, he played a key role in his company’s software development, even writing the initial code himself. Today, Edemen is a major shareholder in six travel companies and a recognized industry speaker.
Jane Martin
Director of Sales
Jane has spent nearly 30 years in luxury travel, with a wide range of experience in aviation, cruise, land and event management. Her travels for both business and pleasure have taken her to nearly every country in the world, but there is always something else new to see. She is excited to bring her industry knowledge and experience to Keytours Vacations.
Frank Scannicchio
Business Development Manager at North East
Frank brings over 20 years of experience in hospitality sales, having worked with major hotel brands in the luxury and upscale market. He began his career in New York City, gaining valuable experience and insights that have shaped his professional journey. Frank has a profound love for traveling abroad, which has enriched his global perspective and expertise. He has traveled to many parts of the world and enjoys building relationships with travel professionals. He is always eager to share his insights and experiences to foster lasting connections. Frank looks forward to sharing how Keytours can elevate the traveler experience.
Osman Akpinar
Operations Manager
With over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, Osman has worked across various segments, including travel agencies, tour operators, hotels, and restaurants. He has a diverse market background, having served travelers from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Africa, and Canada, and for the past six years, he has specialized in assisting American travelers with personalized itineraries to Europe, Africa, South America, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Osman initially handled administrative and product-related duties, which enriched his destination expertise.
Kevin Duden
Product Development Europe & Customer Service Manager
Kevin's passion for travel has guided him through an extensive career in the industry, spanning over two decades and encompassing visits to more than 45 countries. His journey commenced as a Tour Director, guiding groups of travelers on adventures across the globe. Progressing in his career, he assumed pivotal sales leadership positions at American Express Travel and subsequently at Abercrombie & Kent, where he led the Europe Team. Among Kevin's most treasured travel memories are his explorations across Europe, an unforgettable train journey through Russia, and immersive experiences discovering the diverse wonders of Australia and New Zealand.
Kristina Karm-Edemen
Quality Assurance & Product Manager (Africa & Asia)
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Deirdre Dirkman
Product Development Manager
Deirdre brings over 20 years of extensive experience in the luxury travel industry to KeyTours. Her career journey spans roles from frontline wholesale agent and air services expert to global operations, product development, marketing, and executive leadership positions. This rich background enables Deirdre to design and plan exceptional KeyTours vacations, ensuring unparalleled quality and unforgettable experiences for guests. Her expertise in product development and operations contributes to the creation of the exciting tours and journeys that KeyTours is renowned for. Having traveled to more than 70 countries, Deirdre has an impressive list of must-see destinations for discerning travelers. Highlights of her travels include encounters with the Presidential Herd of elephants in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, and climbing the iconic Machu Picchu.
Duygu Kalelioglu
Digital Marketing Manager
With over 18 years of expertise in digital marketing, Duygu is a driving force behind Keytours Vacations' brand growth and online presence. Having led successful campaigns for globally renowned brands, she is an expert in crafting impactful digital strategies that boost brand awareness and customer engagement. Duygu’s vast experience spans social media marketing, Google and Meta ads, email marketing, CRM, and loyalty programs, as well as software integration, ERP databases, and e-commerce platforms. A passionate traveler with a deep love, Duygu combines her marketing acumen and global insights to deliver personalized travel experiences that inspire.
Vicki Sachs
Personalized Luxury Travel Consultant
Vicki started her travel career at Delta airlines, where she was in reservations, sales, and at the city ticket offices for 17 years. In 2006, she was lucky enough to find her second significant travel career with Keytours Vacations.
Esin Soydemir
Personalized Luxury Travel Consultant
Esin has been in the travel business since 1999. She has worked with various travel companies and started her travel career with Key Tours in 2008. Esin loves helping her customers create their ideal vacations!
Tuba Karatari
Individual Travel Expert
Tuba has over 15 years of experience in the travel industry, a passion for travel, and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Tuba lived in London for 13 years, during which time she achieved her Master's Degree in International Business and traveled Europe and Asia extensively. Tuba guarantees that you will experience not just a holiday, but the journey of your life.
Andreas Larentzakis
Senior Travel Consultant
Andreas, joined the company in 2002 and has served various management positions at Keytours Vacations. He has a bachelor degree in business administration and has travelled extensively throughout the world researching destinations and establishing relationships with local travel suppliers. He is currently based in Greece working as a destination specialist.
Brooke Henthorn
Personalized Travel Consultant
Brooke studied International Relations at West Virginia University. While in college, she interned as a tour guide in Barcelona for 4 months. After falling in love with Spain, she relocated to Madrid after graduation. From there, Brooke has traveled throughout Europe, the United States, and the Caribbean. Brooke thoroughly enjoys discovering new cultures, considers herself a foodie, and loves assisting her clients plan their vacations.
Thomas Mathis
Personalized Travel Consultant
With nearly 25 years of experience in the travel industry, Thomas Mathis is a travel consultant who began his career with Kuoni Travel in Zurich. Originally from Switzerland, Thomas has traveled to over 60 countries, sharing his extensive knowledge to help clients create unforgettable, personalized vacations. His expertise spans a wide range of destinations, from Europe to Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Fluent in English, French, Spanish, and German, Thomas is passionate about turning travel dreams into reality.
Zsofia Laczko
Personalized Travel Consultant
Zsofia is a travel professional with over 13 years of experience and an advanced degree in tourism management. She has worked as a leading tour operator, gaining valuable insights from operations and sales teams. Originally from Hungary, she has lived on two continents and traveled to more, which has deepened her appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives.
Melek Kocaslan Horton
Customized Groups Travel Consultant
With a remarkable 18 years of experience in the travel industry, Melek, originally from Turkey, has made Mississippi her home for the past two years. Armed with a degree in Tourism and Hotel Management, she embarked on a career that led her through various roles in travel agencies. Her extensive professional journey has taken her across the globe for both business and pleasure, fostering an unwavering passion for travel. Beyond her expertise lies a deep-seated love for her work, fueled by the connections she forms with people—a testament to her genuine dedication to the industry and her innate joy in exploring the world.
Liena Ramli
Customized Groups Travel Consultant
Liena joins Keytours Vacations with over 10 years of experience in the travel industry, with background in Tourism Management studies. She is originally from Singapore and has lived in Turkey, Germany and Japan. She has traveled to over 120 countries and counting.
Gul Okur
Groups Operations Coordinator
Gul has over 13 years of experience helping customers meet their travel needs. She started her travel career at Quintessentially. She worked as congress project manager for International Medical companies and 8 years at Costa Cruises as an operations and sales manager. She has strong problem-solving skills that allow her to deal with even the most stressful situations. Travelling is her passion.
Selma Gunel
Operations Coordinator
Selma has garnered approximately 15 years of experience within the tourism industry, notably with Celestyal Cruises. Her expertise is particularly focused on European countries, where she has amassed extensive knowledge during her tenure.
HATICE TEMAR
Fulfillment Supervisor
Studied tourism administration at Bogazici University in Istanbul, graduated with honor degree. Worked in 5* hotels (Swissotel, Radisson Blu, Kempinski) for 10 years, excelled in large scale groups, meetings and congress management. Proud to be a part of a team managing largest event of Cyprus. Loves travelling and learning languages, (german, spanish, arabic) already visited Germany, Israel, Kazakystan & Iraq. Lived in Turkey, Cyprus & Qatar.
Ece Akyaman
Marketing Coordinator
With over 8 years of experience in social media, content creation, and client relations, Ece specializes in developing creative marketing strategies that drive engagement and growth. She has managed numerous campaigns and social media accounts across various industries, always with a focus on bringing brands closer to their audiences through meaningful storytelling. Ece has a deep passion for reading, writing, traveling, and thoughtful reflection, which she incorporates into her work to create unique and impactful solutions. At Keytours Vacations, she is excited to bring her expertise to enhance the company’s online presence and lead innovative marketing initiatives.