In California, biotech-based material firm GOZEN has announced a leadership transition as it scales up commercial operations. Founder and former CEO Ece Gözen will now serve as Chief Innovation Officer and Creative Director, while textile industry veteran Dr. Sedef Uncu Aki is stepping in as the company’s new CEO.
Dr. Uncu Aki, who joined GOZEN in 2024 as Chief Product Officer, brings over 25 years of experience in textile technology, operations, and commercial strategy. Her appointment marks a strategic move to accelerate the global rollout of LUNAFORM, a nature-inspired biomaterial that has already been adopted by luxury brands such as Balenciaga and Beymen Collection.
“Ece is a visionary in biodesign, and I’m honored to lead GOZEN into its next phase,” said Dr. Uncu Aki. “Our goal is to make LUNAFORM the biomaterial of choice across fashion and beyond.”
Founded in 2022, GOZEN has already scaled production with a 40,000 sq ft production facility in Istanbul.