E.Sertaç Ersayın
Nominee, President Elect WDO ( 2025-2027 )
Shared Future defines my vision as a nominee of President Elect of the World Design Organization, and this vision drives my full-time dedication to serve WDO.
I believe design, as a universal language, can transcend borders and disciplines, integrating the transformative potential of technology and fostering the quiet power of collaboration to shape an intelligent, resilient, and inclusive world.
Together with our members, as WDO President, I will champion cross-cultural exchange, amplify the voice of designers globally, and catalyze innovation that addresses our most pressing social, environmental, and economic challenges.
Statement of Intent
I am running for President-Elect with a bold vision: to place design at the heart of global transformation and to expand the reach and impact of WDO. At a time when humanity faces urgent challenges—climate change, inequality, ethical innovation, and cultural resilience—design must lead with clarity, courage, and responsibility.
I bring three defining strengths to this mission: proven leadership, global reach, and inclusive vision. Having engaged in more than 90 countries, I have built trusted networks across continents, cultures, and institutions. These connections enable me to strengthen WDO’s global presence and ensure its voice is heard at the highest international platforms—from policy-making to business, culture, and education.
As President of the Industrial Designers Society of Turkey and the Creative Industries Council Association, I have led with impact, uniting disciplines from industrial design and public policy to the creative economy and digital transformation. My leadership has consistently advanced design as a strategic force for innovation and societal progress.
Most importantly, I am committed to empowering the next generation of designers while honoring the pioneers who shaped our profession. Together, we can build a stronger WDO—expanding its presence, deepening its influence, and shaping a truly global and inclusive design future.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
C Level Design & Innovation Executive
I have taken on different responsibilities around the world, mostly based in Istanbul, HongKong, China, Italy, Germany and UK.
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C Level Design & Innovation Executive as CDO and VP at large scale global companies in Fortune 500 (2002-2016)
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Industrial Design Manager at large scale global companies (1989-2002)
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re/form/ist Creative Business & Design Management, founder (2016- )
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Founder member of Istanbul Creative Industries Hub (2022 - )
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Founder and steering committe member of Istanbul Industrial Design Center ( 2021 - )
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President at Industrial Designers Society of Turkey, (2014-2027)
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President Creative Industries Council Association in Istanbul, (2019- 2028)
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Associate Board Member of Federation of Industrial Associations (2024-2027)
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Executive Board Member of Design Turkey, (2008- 2021)
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CoChair Unesco Design City : Istanbul. (2017- 2020)
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TOBB, Creative Industries Assembly Member (2023- 2026)
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TOBB, Brand Assembly Member (2022 - 2025)
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Turkish Advisory Design Council member (2009- )
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Ministry of Economy, member of the committee to support designers and design companies (2008- )
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Ministry of Industry and Technology, member of the committee to support R&D and Design Centers (2017- )
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WDO ExCom & Board Member, Treasurer (2019- 2023)
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WDO Regional Advisor, Europe (2024 - )
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WDO, Special Advisor to the President (2023-2025)
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WDO, Worldesign Magazine with the colloboration of Domus, Editorial Board Member, (2021- 2023)
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WDO, Design Challenge - Covid 19, Asia-Pacific Leader (2019-2021)
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WDO, Design Challenge, Design in Space for Life on Earth (2019-2021)
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Coordination of the of two-day National Design Policy Workshop in Istanbul, held in partnership with WDO and Informatics Valley (2023)
Academic Appointments (Teaching at three different universities )
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Introduction to Design Management-Kadir Has University, Istanbul, (2016- ) ''open to faculty of architecture and design students''
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Project Management-Istanbul Medipol University ( 2016- ) ''open to dept of industrial design, graduate students''
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Critical Thinking and Entrepreneurship, Ankara Bilim University ( 2024- ) ''open to faculty of engineering, graduate students''
Engagements with WDO Members
WDO activities and WDO endorsed participant projects in Montreal, Toronto, Berlin, Valencia, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Qingdao, Shunde, Seoul, Taipei, Paris, Milan, Eindhoven, Amsterdam, Marakesh, Talinn, Wenzhou, Wuhan, Istanbul, Izmir, Torino, Frankfurt, Milano, London, Beijing, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Shanghai, Ljubjiana, Graz, Taichung, Mexico City, Singapour, Vienna, BangKong, Xiamen, Foshan, Helsinki, many other cities around the globe and online engagements.
Jury ( Membership, nomination, final evaluation )
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I haved served as a jury member in over hundreds of international design competitions, including:American Architectural Awards, Design Management Europe Awards, IF Design Awards, Good Design,G Mark,CII India, DIA, BDA, Seoul Design Award, CRRS Design, Design Turkiye, Shenzhen Design Awards, Golden Pin Award and many more around the globe.
