Leadership restructuring occurs in biomaterials company in anticipation of business expansion

In a significant move for the biomaterials startup, Gozen, Sedef Uncu Aki has been named as the new CEO, effective from January 2024. Aki, who was previously the startup's chief product officer, takes over from Ece Gozen, who steps down to become the chief innovation officer and creative director.

Gozen, founded in 2022, made its debut during Balenciaga's Paris Fashion Week runway show in the fall of 2023, with its leather alternative material, Lunaform, being adopted by brand partners Beymen Collection and Kering-owned Balenciaga. The new leadership structure will support the ongoing rollout of Lunaform across various product industries, including the mass, premium, and luxury segments.

Aki, a Turkish-born economist and digital influencer, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Prior to her tenure at Gozen, she was a speaker and author on digital topics such as Digital Marketing, Social Media, and Online Entertainment. She was also an influencer and content creator with a focus on Lifestyle, Technology, Career, and Social Media. Additionally, she served as a consultant for brands and companies in the realm of Social Media and digital communication.

Aki's academic background includes studying Economics at the University of Istanbul before moving to Germany, where she furthered her education in the fields of Economics and Digitalisation. Details about her entrepreneurial endeavours in the digital sector are limited, but it is known that she has initiated her own projects and companies in this area.

Po Bronson, managing director of SOSV, a Gozen investor, believes the new team structure will allow the startup to scale with focus and harness its creative capabilities, which he deems necessary for the continued growth of Lunaform.

Pelin Gozen, co-founder of Gozen, will continue in her role as chief operating officer and will lead the company's product roadmap and operations. Gozen has also opened a 40,000-square-foot production facility in Turkey to expand the reach of Lunaform at scale.

Gozen's other investors include Happiness Capital, Accelr8, and Astor Management. The production facility was opened to support the ongoing rollout of Lunaform, which is gaining traction in the fashion industry as a sustainable and innovative alternative to traditional leather.

Sedef Uncu Aki's public career history is limited due to her rise to prominence primarily through her social media presence and her work at Gozen. If you require specific details, such as academic qualifications or details about certain companies, we can conduct targeted research. Please let us know if you need additional information.