The worldwide leading voluntary sustainability standard for the post-harvest textile value chain for certified organic fibres, covering environmental criteria, human rights, social criteria and business conduct.
") is excited to introduce five newly appointed staff members, who are experts in their respective fields. Ranging from the first representative on in Africa to the spheres of the digital world: Meet the new GOTS-Family members and read more about their positions and essential tasks for the assurance of our developments and goals. **Strengthening [Standard](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/standard "standard glossary text
") Development and Quality Assurance** Two new members were added to the GOTS [Standard](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/standard "standard glossary text
") Development and Quality Assurance Team. Bükra Kalaycı is a textile engineer and holds a master’s degree in environmental [sustainability](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/sustainability "In 1987, the United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
"). Her PhD research focuses on circular systems in the textile supply chain. Bükra has been appointed to the newly created position Responsible, Standard Development and Implementation (Ecology) at GOTS. She will continue to develop the ecology pillar as well as ensure an efficient implementation of the GOTS standard. Bükra is based in Turkey. Ruslan Alyamkin has been appointed as Responsible, Standard Development and Implementation (Social Responsibility). Ruslan has a PhD in International Public Law and has a background in [human rights](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/human-rights "Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status. Human rights include the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work and education, and many more. Everyone is entitled to these rights, without discrimination. (Source: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, United Nations)
"). He has worked with international, governmental and non-governmental organisations, including the OSCE and the UN OHCHR. Ruslan will help GOTS in ensuring the Standard continues its development in the social responsibility pillar. He is based in Germany and may engage with CBs for matters related to GOTS social requirements. Prachi Gupta is now designated Responsible, Quality Assurance and Impact. Prachi takes on the task to engage with GOTS ACBs regarding Quality Assurance procedures, such as CB Webinars and Training, [GMO](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/gmo "Organisms whose genetic material has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination. (Source: EUR-Lex, Access to European Union law: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/EN/legal-content/glossary/genetically-modified-organisms-gmo.html)
") data collection, CB complaints and Impact related procedures, such as quality surveys with CBs and Certified Entities.She will also work with Accreditation Bodies as required. Prachi holds a master’s degree in Textile Technology and is based in India. **First GOTS Representative in Africa appointed** Muktar Dodo is the newly appointed GOTS Representative in Africa. He is responsible for enhancing GOTS on the continent that is quickly becoming a sourcing destination for major markets. Muktar comes to the role with substantial experience in implementing standards and quality assurance services in the cotton and textile sector in Africa. He also gained experience in [organic](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/organic "'Organic' is a regulated term used to distinguish systems of managed production and products derived therefrom that adhere to principles of health, ecology, fairness and care, and which are certified compliant to an organic standard's regulations by an Approved Certification Body.
GOTS defines organic textiles as being made with fibres from organic agriculture systems that are certified to one of the IFOAM Family of Standards, and that are processed in socially and ecologically responsible ways, in alignment with organic principles.
A Certification Body, having been duly accredited by an Accreditation Body and by way of signing a contract with Global Standard gGmbH has been permitted to implement the Global Organic Textile Standard over a designated geographical area and for specific scopes of the Standard.
") in China. Muktar is based in Nigeria. **Expanding GOTS Marketing capabilities** Holger Stripf has been appointed GOTS Head of Marketing. He brings with him over thirteen years of international marketing experience. Holger has worked for corporations in Australia, USA and Germany and spent the last nine years in senior marketing positions at Heine, a member of the Otto Group. Next to his strategic marketing focus, Holger has also taken over the responsibilities of Juliane Ziegler, who has been appointed the new GOTS Representative in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Holger is based in Germany. [ Share this page ](#fs-toggle=share)