Sezen Buell

Packaging & Product Innovation Executive | Leading Sustainable Solutions for Consumer & Healthcare Markets

Education

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

PhD, Materials Science and Engineering, Polymer Physics / December, 2009

Koç Üniversitesi

MS, Mechanical Engineering / December, 2004

Boğaziçi Üniversitesi

BS, Mechanical Engineering / December, 2002

Experience

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

Executive Director / Global Packaging / July, 2021 — Present

Packaging engineering and material science leader with deep expertise in developing and commercializing innovative packaging solutions across cosmetic and consumer products. Experienced in building global packaging strategies, optimizing material selection, improving packaging performance, and driving sustainable packaging transformation. Provides consulting expertise in: • Packaging strategy and innovation from concept through commercialization • Material selection, compatibility assessment, failure analysis, and risk mitigation • Packaging qualification processes, predictive testing, FMEA, and technical frameworks • Sustainable packaging solutions including PCR integration, circular design, and regulatory readiness (PPWR/EPR)

Director / January, 2018 — July, 2021

• Built and scaled a global packaging engineering and material science function supporting 30+ brands, establishing standardized processes for material selection, compatibility, and risk assessment across a complex portfolio. • Led end-to-end packaging development and commercialization support, implementing predictive testing, FMEA, and platform strategies that drove a 40% reduction in package testing and 30% improvement in first-pass success rates, accelerating development timelines and reducing rework. • Defined and executed long-term packaging innovation and sustainability strategy (2025/2030), aligning material selection, regulatory compliance (PPWR, EPR), and circular design initiatives with business and brand goals. • Developed and commercialized innovative packaging solutions through global supplier partnerships, advancing PCR integration, alternative materials, and scalable manufacturing solutions.

ESTEE LAUDER

Director Of Packaging / Material Science and Technology / January, 2018 — July, 2021

Stryker

Staff Engineer / August, 2017 — January, 2018

• Led packaging material selection, evaluation, and validation for sterile medical devices, ensuring biocompatibility, sterilization compatibility, and compliance with global regulatory standards. • Conducted risk assessments (FMEA), root cause analysis, and CAPA investigations for packaging failures, driving corrective actions, improving product reliability, and supporting audit readiness. • Partnered with manufacturing, quality, and suppliers to resolve material and process issues, implementing improvements that enhanced packaging performance and consistency at scale. • Authored technical documentation and supported regulatory submissions, contributing to successful global product approvals.

Senior Engineer / October, 2015 — August, 2017

Energizer

Senior Scientist / July, 2010 — September, 2015

•Leading new product development efforts related to tampon applicators to develop a product pipeline •Prototype development of plastic parts (Rapid prototyping, injection molding) •Concept generation, focus groups and voice of the consumer generation activities •Started a new R&D lab fully equipped for property characterization of absorbent materials and polymers •Test method development for evaluation of new product concepts •Secure IP for new technologies/product ideas by writing ROIs/patent applications •Initiating collaborations with external parties, managing project budgets and timelines

MIT

Research and Teaching Assistant / September, 2004 — June, 2010

Schlumberger

Intern / June, 2008 — August, 2008

Koc University

Research and Teaching Assistant / September, 2002 — June, 2004

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