A multi-disciplinary jury for Cosmoprof and Cosmopack Awards

Ankit Virmani is the Director of Esskay Beauty Resources, a leading growth partner for professional hair and beauty salons across the Indian Sub-Continent. With a postgraduate degree in finance and over 17 years of industry experience, he has driven Esskay Beauty to become a dominant player in India’s professional beauty market.

Under his leadership, Esskay Beauty has expanded its reach to 300+ cities, serving 20,000+ clients, including salons, spas, beauty centers, and retail outlets. The company represents a diverse portfolio of 10 international brands and 4 own brands, providing cutting-edge solutions and innovations.

Headquartered in New Delhi, Esskay Beauty operates with a strong foundation of ethics, passion, and responsibility, with a vision to elevate the beauty and wellness industry. Ankit is a forward-thinking entrepreneur, constantly exploring advanced technologies and emerging trends to enhance and empower beauty professionals.

Dr. Lina Al Samkari is the visionary founder and CEO of AL HANAN IND LLC, a premier luxury skincare and spa product manufacturer based in the UAE. With over two decades of experience in formulation and product design, her PhD in Chemistry underscores her deep expertise in the beauty and wellness industry.

Dr. Lina's entrepreneurial journey began during her undergraduate studies at Damascus University, where she passionately developed a skincare line that celebrated the richness of natural ingredients, Middle Eastern herbs, and oils for skin and hair. This initial venture, launched alongside her colleagues, ignited her dedication to innovation in the field. She further expanded her academic prowess by earning a diploma in Education, subsequently teaching Biochemistry at the dental faculty of Damascus University for two years.

In 2006, Dr. Lina embarked on her PhD journey in the UK, where she collaborated with a multidisciplinary team on groundbreaking research testing the use of a novel catalyst for wastewater treatment as part of a government project. This experience not only honed her analytical skills but also deepened her commitment to scientific advancement and sustainable practices. She also served as a research fellow at De Montfort University, supervising practical lab sessions in the Pharmacy Faculty for one year as part of her research work.

Relocating to the UAE in 2011, Dr. Lina assumed a leadership role at Al Serkal Group, where she pioneered the introduction of the UAE's first eco-friendly product line. In 2014, she founded AL HANAN IND, a brand dedicated to crafting luxurious, vegan, and cruelty-free spa products and hotel amenities. With an artistic approach to product development, Dr. Lina meticulously curates each fragrance blend, ensuring that every scent, texture, and packaging tells a unique story, reflecting her passion for creating memorable experiences.

Ukachi is a dynamic and strategic leader with over 20 years of experience in engineering, development, and leadership roles at companies like Coty and Avon Products, Inc. Currently, as the Global Vice President of Innovation Strategy & Portfolio Management, Value Chain Technical Readiness, and New Brands Integration & Empowerment at The Estee Lauder Companies, Inc., Ukachi leads critical packaging and engineering initiatives. She oversees KPIs impacting pipeline, sufficiency, and cost
savings for the company's portfolio of prestige brands, including Estée Lauder, MAC, Clinique, Bobbi Brown, Tom Ford Beauty, and La Mer. Her technical agility fosters innovative collaborations, ensuring efficient and effective project completion within and outside the beauty industry.
Ukachi holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering and an MBA with a concentration in Marketing from Rutgers University. She is certified in Project Management by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and certified by the Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP). Ukachi has and has been featured in Essence Magazine as well as several leading Beauty industry publications and has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout her career, including the Rutgers Business School’s Alumni Rising Star Award, The Universal Women’s Network International Authentic Leader. Award, , America on Tech’s Innovator and Disruptor Award, and The Network Journal’s “40 under Forty” Award. In 2023, she was inducted into the Rutgers African American
Hall of Fame for her contributions to the community, university, and industry.
In 2021, Ukachi was the keynote commencement speaker for Clayton State University’s College of Business, and in 2023, she was selected as the keynote convocation speaker for Rutgers University’s School of Engineering, becoming only the third woman in the school’s 109-year history to deliver the keynote address.

Aankith Aroraa is not just a leader, he is the force behind brands that become movements. With 22 years of experience in the beauty industry, he has built, scaled, and transformed global brands across India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives, and Mauritius.

As the CEO & Founder of 3TENX and the driving force behind Streamline Beauty India Pvt Ltd, Aankith has played a pivotal role in shaping the success of brands like AVEDA, OLAPLEX, KEVIN.MURPHY, OPI, and MINISTRY OF PEDICURE. His career, which began with Procter & Gamble and Wella, has equipped him with a deep understanding of brand building, market strategy, and consumer behavior.

Recognized as a subject matter expert in marketing and brand activations, Aankith brings a proven playbook for go-to-market strategies that have redefined the beauty industry. Under his leadership, Streamline Beauty India Pvt Ltd has evolved into a next-generation omnichannel leader, seamlessly integrating salons, prestige retail, e-commerce, and quick commerce to create unparalleled customer experiences.

Aankith doesn’t just work with brands; he builds them. His approach goes beyond launching products, he builds enduring legacies that shape industries and consumer experiences. His philosophy is simple: “Don’t just build brands, create legacies.” With an instinct for market shifts, industry evolution, and disruptive innovation, Aankith is not here to follow trends, he’s here to set them.

Background: 17 years of experience in the beauty industry. International Product Marketing Manager at Clarins and New Projects Manager at Cosmoprof

Editor in Chief with editorial oversight across all of BEAUTYSTREAMS’ branches including reporting, forecast, webinars, and bespoke. As a foreign correspondent in Paris contributing to: Die Zeit, The Wall Street Journal, FT/How To Spend It, Parnass Art Magazine, and WWD

Very sporty and a supporter of a balanced, healthy and rewarding lifestyle, Marta fully reflects herself in this new era of longevity and in the holistic vision of beauty, a universe she has been dealing with for more than thirty years now, with professional experience at D Repubblica, Vogue and Glamour. Her mantra is: smile at life. There is always a time for everything.

Agustin is a passionate and driven leader in the beauty industry, currently leading a well-established LATAM family business with over 30 years of experience in brand representation and development across multiple sectors in South America. From luxury fragrances to professional and retail haircare, nails , salon furniture and accessories, and an innovative new Korean Project, the company has continuously evolved to meet the demands of an ever-changing market.

This extensive and diverse experience has made Agustin an expert in identifying south American trends, developing brands in both professional and retail channels, and navigating the complexities of distribution in challenging markets. His strategic vision and hands-on approach have been key in bridging global brands with South American consumers, driving growth and innovation in the region.

Committed to the continued development of beauty brands in South America, Agustin strives to showcase the region’s potential on the global stage through expertise and professionalism.

Valentina Debernardi, a journalist for over 20 years, is now Creative Beauty Director of the Hearst group, and senior beauty editor of Esquire and Harper’s Bazaar magazines. She has experience with the most popular Italian magazines in the beauty field including Elle, Marie Claire, Grazia, and 11 years in the editorial staff of Vanity Fair. Her roles also include those of jury for Accademia del Profumo and for the Prix d'Excellence Marie Claire, and that of presenter of Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna.

Thomas Hammond is the Sr. Director of Package Development and Engineering at Revlon overseeing global Skincare, Body Care, Promotions, Package Testing, and Change Management. In this role, he is responsible for end to end execution from ideation to manufacturing and production. In his eleven years at Elizabeth Arden and Revlon, he’s worked on their most prestigious skincare and color cosmetic brands while supporting value engineering initiatives, in-sourcing, innovation, and sustainability. Prior to Elizabeth Arden, he worked for PepsiCo aiding in the engineering and development of new soda fountain technology. In the summer of 2012, Thomas spent three months in South Korea for an internship with an injection molding cosmetic factory. He’s traveled domestically and internationally for functional packaging line trials, custom tool development, and innovation trade shows. With those experiences, he’s been able to sharpen his skill set, cultivating himself for a future in the cosmetic industry. In his spare time, he enjoys boating in the summer, skiing in the winter, and football. Thomas holds a Masters in Cosmetic and Fragrance Marketing and Management from FIT and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Rhode Island.

Sushil Iyer is a Global Executive Leader with extensive experience spanning R&D and Supply Chain with a passion for developing high performance teams and capabilities. He has a proven track record of achieving rapid growth by driving consumer-centric innovation, sustainability, execution excellence, change management, and business transformation in complex, fast-paced environments. 
He is currently the Head of Global Packaging R&D leading teams across the entire portfolio of Skin Health & Beauty, Essential Health, and Self Care segments in all regions at Kenvue, the world’s largest pure-play consumer health company by revenue. From Tylenol and Neutrogena to Bandaid and Listerine, Kenvue’s iconic brands serve the needs of nearly 1.2 Billion global consumers. 
He has previously held key leadership roles at Johnson & Johnson and Estee Lauder Companies.

Background: 10 years experience covering fashion, beauty, and business news for WWD and W magazine. She writes for trend forecasting companies: BEAUTYSTREAMS, Wunderman Thompson Intelligence, and Light Years, alongside creating copy for a number of luxury beauty brands
 

Lorne Lucree is a leading expert in beauty innovation, product development, and R&D, with deep expertise in formulation science, ingredient technologies, packaging, sustainability, olfactive trends, and consumer insights. His career spans advertising at Procter & Gamble, global and regional marketing at L'Oréal, R&I and product development at Estée Lauder, brand incubation at Luxury Brand Partners, and manufacturing and operational innovation as Chief Innovation & R&D Officer at Voyant Beauty. He has developed award-winning products for Clinique, R+Co, L’Oréal Professionnel, IGK, ONE/SIZE by PatrickStarrr, and Tatcha. Now, as Founder of Quiet Coyote Consulting, he helps brands, private equity, and contract manufacturers drive innovation and maximize value.

Lorne is a trusted partner to key retailers like Ulta Beauty, where he serves as a Product Development Advisor for the Ulta MUSE Accelerator Program and a member of the Conscious Beauty at Ulta Advisory Board. 

His work has earned 25+ industry awards, including Allure Best of Beauty, Allure Best of Beauty Breakthrough, Refinery29 Beauty Innovator, and Times UK Style Beauty Award. He has an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business and a BSc from Boston University.

Mohamad Madi is the Founder and Group President of Madi International, a leading distributor in the beauty industry across the Middle East. Since founding the company in 1991, he has been instrumental in building a robust distribution network that spans the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain, providing top-tier beauty brands to salons, spas, and retailers.

Under his leadership, Madi Group has grown into one of the most trusted and influential beauty distributors in the region, forming strategic partnerships with renowned global brands and ensuring seamless supply chain operations. His ability to anticipate market trends and adapt to industry shifts has allowed Madi Group to remain at the forefront of beauty distribution, continuously expanding its portfolio and strengthening relationships with suppliers and clients alike.

With 30 years of expertise in cosmetic research, about 60 scientific publications and several patents, Alain is passionate about skin, skin aging and health, well-being, and on development of sustainable personal care designed according the principles of circular economy / beauty.

Alain owns a B.Sc. in Biochemistry, a M.Sc. in Physico-chemistry and a Ph.D degree from Dermatology Unit at University Hospital, Besancon (1997). Alain worked for 12 years at Pierre Fabre Dermo-Cosmétique, Toulouse, France, in skin delivery/metabolism & new active ingredients discovery. In 2009, Alain joined Oriflame Cosmetics, Stockholm, Sweden, heading Skin Research Institute, Open Innovation, Sustainability & Scientific Communication Units.

Since 2022, Alain is the Vice-President of R&D and Sustainability at Lumene Group, Helsinki, Finland, leading technology innovation and product development of the 3 brands, Lumene , Cutrin and Isa Warg Beauty, designed with innovative plant-based Nordic ingredients, eco-friendly packaging and circular beauty.

Victor Hugo Montalvo, ceo and general director of Montalvo Group. We are leaders in the beauty sector within the industry for 30 years. We are leaders in the beauty sector with 30 years of experience in the industry. We specialize in providing quality service.

Nicole Musco is the Director of Global Product Development at jane iredale, the skincare makeup brand, where she has contributed since January 2023.

Nicole's passion for product development began over 15 years ago as an intern at L'Oréal, a pivotal experience that sparked her career in the beauty industry. Over the years, she has developed beauty products for leading brands such as L'Oréal Paris, Avon, Skyn Iceland, and spearheaded Development at Revlon for the Almay and Revlon brands.

With a deep passion for beauty and innovation, Nicole is especially drawn to the art of creating products that both delight consumers and stay ahead of industry trends.

With more than 25 years of experience in cosmetic R&D and Innovation and several patents, Margherita is passionate about innovation, developing new technologies and studying innovative ingredients dedicated to hair and skin care. An expert in the creation of professional and non-professional products, she loves to support and sustain the transformation of R&D teams towards an organized, innovation- and creativity-driven approach that promotes the development of new products in line with market trends and sustainable approach.
Margherita has a Bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology and a Master's degree in Cosmetic Science and Technology from the University of Ferrara. After leading Davines S.p.A.'s global R&D for more than 15 years, with numerous successful launches, she is now dedicated to R&D consulting, working with leading Beauty Companies to contribute to business growth through new products introduction and process efficiencies.
 

Björn is a seasoned digital leader with a strong background in ecommerce, marketplaces, and digital strategy. As Director at Douglas, he drives the growth and expansion of the group partner program, shaping the future of beauty retail in a dynamic omnichannel landscape in more than 11 countries.

Before joining Douglas, Björn was Head of international Ecommerce at a leading German beauty brand, overseeing international DTC growth, digital marketing, and online sales strategy. His career began in consulting for digital strategy, working with top brands to accelerate their digital transformation.

Passionate about scaling platforms, driving innovation, and enhancing customer experiences, Björn combines strategic vision with hands-on execution to build and grow successful curated shopping platforms for premium beauty & lifestyle accessoiries

Celebrated beauty industry authority.
Directed client marketing and product development consulting projects worldwide for L’Oréal brands, AmorePacific, Beiersdorf, Coty, Estée Lauder, P&G, Unilever,  etc

With a rich experience spanning over two decades in the field of Cosmetics, she acquired technical-formulation expertise working closely at leading makeup subcontractors before transitioning to commercial position at Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a global chemical company. In her role, she successfully managed strategic sales of cosmetic raw materials. Currently, she serves as the Global Strategic Marketing lead for the Cosmetic segment at Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, where she keeps a vigilant eye on market trends and consumer behaviors. Her primary focus is to adapt the company's marketing strategies and drive new product development initiatives.

Lauren O'Connell is an American beauty expert, beauty entrepreneur, and breast cancer warrior living in Dubai. With a Bachelor of Science in Biomechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Nursing, she is known for merging her passions for science and beauty into her social media and editorial content. As the Beauty Editor of Cosmopolitan Middle East and an NYFA-trained broadcast journalist, Lauren is outspoken about her breast cancer journey, using her platform to raise awareness and empower women facing similar battles. Challenging and redefining beauty norms is central to her story, as she navigates her cancer adventure with resilience, grace, and a healthy dose of humor and positivity. A mom of two teens and a doodle named Teddy, Lauren is set to launch her own beauty brand in early 2025, inspiring others to embrace their strength and beauty through the power of self-care.

Valerie is the visionary founder of R&R Skincare, a trailblazing beauty brand she launched in 2010 after welcoming her first child. As a dynamic entrepreneur and passionate advocate for women’s economic empowerment, she’s on a mission to turn African ingredients like Shea and Baobab into global beauty staples, all while championing a fully homegrown, African-based supply chain.

Jose Ortega is the Regional Director for Private Labels and International Purchases in Femsa Salud, one of the biggest pharma and perfumery chains in Latin America with operations in Mexico, Chile, Colombia and Ecuador. He oversees the international expansion of private labels and international distribution partnerships across different categories spanning but not limited to Food & Beverage, Wellness & Nutrition, Beauty & Hair Care, Skin Care & Cosmetics, Hygiene and Personal Care, Baby Care among others.

Growing up in Chad, Salwa learned the ancestral Chébé ritual for luxuriously softer, stronger, and longer hair from the women in her family. The Chébé plant, found exclusively in Chad, produces seeds rich in nutrients that promote healthy hair growth. 
A Harvard graduate, Salwa spent years in product development for leading beauty brands. Exposure to the most advanced haircare in the world highlighted the exceptional properties of Chébé seeds. This inspired her to embark on the unprecedented challenge of enhancing this ancestral ritual with the best of modern hair science, making it accessible to a new generation.

Background: Specialist in trends and marketing, Accomplished marketing and beauty expert, based in Brazil. Possesses a diverse skill set for overseeing and driving global projects, and forging partnerships with brands and trade shows such Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna.

Notable health and wellness practitioner, and author of Recalibrate: Six Secrets to Resetting Your Age, Richard Purvis has more than 30 years of dedicated experience in nutrition, exercise, anti-aging, and overall wellness, encompassing extensive research, development, experimentation, innovation, and a progressive career in these industries. 
  
Purvis is the founder and innovator of numerous wellness brands including Skin Moderne, Elementals, Live, Skin Moderne Professional Beauty, the multi-patented beauty devices NanoFusion and UltraFusion, Cell-CPR, and i/o Beauti. Purvis is the current CEO of Skin Moderne Inc and Skin Moderne Professional Beauty Inc.  
 

Jeff Rosevear recently started as the Head of R&D at Trinny London. In his 23-year career, he has led R&D beauty and personal care launches across global brands, as well as launching many fast to market new brands. His time spent in Open Innovation exposed him to a huge breadth of research, ingredient innovation, and external talent, driving his passion for new technologies that step change product stories, claims, and the consumer experience.

Aik Sargsian has over 30 years of experience in the cosmetics and perfumery industry, holding top management positions in luxury distribution and retail across the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Austria. He is the founder of Cosmotheca and Osmotheca, pioneering independent retail concepts specializing in independent cosmetics and artistic fragrances.
Aik has served as a jury member for the Beauty Challenge Awards at Cosmeeting in Paris and has been an honorary member of leading international beauty exhibitions, including Cosmoprof, Beyond Beauty, Pitti Fragranze, and Esxence.
In recognition of his contributions to the industry, he was awarded the Kotler Marketing Award in 2014.

Jayan Sathyan is the Group Head of Beauty at Lulu Group International. He is responsible for the global beauty business and he has 25+ years of experience in luxury retail (Beauty, Luxury Watches etc.,). He is specialized in product development and brand building and he achieved several accomplishments such as the introduction of Cristiano Ronaldo, Banana Republic perfume brands in GCC Countries on exclusive partnership and a massive brand building in six countries.

He launched 5 blsh Beauty Stores in multiple cities and successfully completed 100+ beauty projects in 5 years. He also developed 2 perfume brands for Lulu.

Demi Shi currently heads up Brand Partnerships at Douyin E-commerce Global for the The Americas & Europe. With over 600 million daily active users, Douyin leads China's short video app scene. As a pioneer in the China cross-border E-commerce sector since 2015, Demi’s passion lies in engaging international brands and partners to expand their presence and be successful in China. Leveraging her expertise, Demi guides brands through China market entry solutions to ensure a successful launch on the premium online-channel social e-commerce platform. Prior to ByteDance, Demi worked for Alibaba Group’s Tmall Global for 5 years overseeing Fashion and Beauty categories.

Highly experienced in cosmetic global regulatory, quality and technical areas, more than 25 years career in pharma and cosmetic brands, member of Advisory Board of start up and Master Degree in Cosmetic Industrial Science Università degli Studi di Milano and Committee Member of La Forza e il Sorriso and Cosmetica Italia. Among other publications wrote the Cosmetologist's Manual

Marina Testino is Director of Strategic Partnerships at Earth Partner, Sustainability Editor for Beyond Noise magazine, an established Creator, Connector, and Strategist in the niche space of conscious consumerism.
Marina’s authenticity and willingness to lead by example makes her a trusted resource to brands and consumers alike. She utilizes these attributes—and her vast network—to elevate brand identity, create awareness around responsible values, lend credibility to campaigns, and foster meaningful rapport.
Working closely with brands, organizations and fashion impact funds, Marina facilitates collaborations and awareness campaigns that blend sustainability, creativity, and innovation. With clients ranging from luxury fashion and high-end beauty to innovative tech startups, she provides guidance and validation as they navigate their conscious journeys. Marina has worked with brands such as Stella McCartney, Gucci, UGG, Davines; organizations like Greenpeace, United Nations, Ellen MacArthur Foundation; and technology companies like Pentatonic, Oritain, and Pyratex.

CEO of Martha Tilaar Group, one of the largest natural beauty companies in Indonesia. Established in 1970, Martha Tilaar Group has managed a portfolio of 10 prominent beauty brands in the market, along with 68 spas and more than 20,000 retail points nationwide. Studied at Suffolk University and Harvard University in the United States, Dr. Tilaar wanted to highlight the richness of Indonesia’s biodiversity and marine resources. He focuses the Group’s research activities on natural, organic, and halal products to bring the nation’s local heritage to the global market.

Industry visionary. Renowned forecaster.  
Background: 30+ years of experience advising fashion and beauty brands globally. Creative Director at Stylesight, Here & There Agency New York

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT | ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT | STRATEGIC BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Supporting Individuals & Organizations with Innovative Business and Marketing Development and Management 

People Management; Account Development; Strategic Business Development and Marketing Specialist with over 20 years of experience in the Luxury Cosmetics industry. Passionate about business expansion: Driving results, Increasing efficiencies and productivity as well as delivering profitability. I thrive on being able to work through challenges; evaluating opportunities and risks to deliver innovative solutions. With an open and approachable management style, I enjoy nurturing and developing individuals. Over the years, I have been able to harness and develop my skill set, equipping me to lead a number of high-performance teams. Ready to take on the next challenge in my career, I am seeking opportunities as a Business Unit Manager with a Business Development / Marketing function 

SPECIALITIES:

Leadership | Strategic Planning | New Business Development | Profit & Loss Management | Operations Management | Key Account Management | Marketing | Sales | Hospitality | High-Growth Strategies | Customer Relationship Management | Staff Training | Staff Development | Contract Negotiations | Budgeting | Forecasting | Resource Utilisation | Revenue Growth | Cost Reduction | Leadership | Planning | Professional | Ethical | Loyal | Hardworking |Dedicated | Determined | Passionate