Amna Abbas
Senior Consultant Beauty & Health, Luxury & Fashion, Euromonitor International
Amna is a Senior Consultant at Euromonitor International, based in Dubai. As a thought leader and industry expert in beauty, health, luxury, and fashion, her insights and analysis provide global, regional, and local brands with tactical and strategic solutions to foster company growth, with a special focus on the MENAT and Pakistan regions.
She advises clients across these industries on topics ranging from health and wellness, understanding government agendas, consumer trends, and business strategy planning. Amna is also one of the authors of the annually published "Top 10 Global Consumer Trends" whitepaper.
Along with regular interactions with major global and regional beauty and fashion industry players, she has been a proactive contributor to articles and interviews through various platforms such as exhibitions, TV, radio, and press media. Some examples include Beautyworld, CNN, Forbes, Euro News, Dubai Eye, Gulf News, and Images Retail ME.
Amna holds a Master of Strategic Marketing, top graduate, from the University of Wollongong. She has been active in the field of market research intelligence for more than a decade, bringing with her rich insights on the region compared to the world.
Angela Thomas
CEO & Founder, Angel Success Consulting
Angela Thomas is an expert in Impression Management and influences the conscious or unconscious control of the impression people or organizations leave on others.
The differences are measurable and surprise her clients with the potential that is unlocked. Through her many years of experience and her invaluable commitment to beauty and charisma, she was recently recognized by the magazine Erfolg as a top expert.
Anita Baker
Managing Director, Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics
Anita Baker joined Lush in 2007 as a Group Accountant, with her training & experience in BA (Hons) Accounting and ACMA qualification with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. She was quickly promoted to the International Business Development team due to the commercial nature of her skill set. Anita’s financial acumen meant she played a crucial role in selecting new business partners, country openings, and potential commercial opportunities. Baker’s skilful combination of financial expertise, Lush brand knowledge, and retail awareness led to a new opportunity to expand and develop the MENA region, and she relocated there in 2010.
Anita is responsible for the MENA region, managing the Lush-owned operations in the UAE and Bahrain and the business development of the region, including the support of the current franchisee partners for KSA, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon & Oman. The region now encompasses 40+ shops, having seen rapid development over the last decade.
Her role involves all parts of the business, from branding and PR, property strategy and negotiations, staff happiness, training & wellbeing, product pricing and fulfilment, digital presence, and managing relationships and standards with the MENA licensee partners. She believes that building a successful local business allows reinvestment back into the local communities in terms of jobs and personal development, as well as communicating and educating the staff and customers on the core Lush brand principles of fighting animal testing, regenerating the environment, fresh is best, handmade products and 100% vegetarian products.
Asima Haq
Marketing Director, Unilever
Asima Haq is a seasoned business leader with 23+ years at Unilever, bringing transformative leadership across Pakistan, Indonesia, and the Middle East. She moved to UAE earlier this year and is leading Beauty & Wellbeing Demand Generation for Arabia and Marketing Transformation across Pakistan, Turkey, Arabia, and Bangladesh.
Prior to this she was the Business Unit Head for Beauty & Wellbeing and Personal Care at Unilever Pakistan, managing a portfolio that contributed 55% of the companies topline. For over two decades she has been known for transforming businesses and turning brands into cultural icons — building global equity while shaping deeply local, home-grown success stories. She has consistently unlocked brand love through powerful storytelling rooted in deep consumer insight and purposeful narratives. A strong believer in the power of representation, she brings cultural intuition and inclusive leadership to the forefront of everything she does.
Asima also sits on the boards of Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited (a listed entity) and Unilever Pakistan Limited (a public non-listed company) and has served as Vice Chairperson as well as General Secretary of the Pakistan Advertisers Society, representing advertisers on the Joint Industry Regulatory Committee (JIRC) and Marketing Association of Pakistan (MAP).
Daniel Leese
Founder, &SOM Skin
Daniel Leese is the driving force behind &SOM Skin, the men’s grooming brand that proved natural, high-performance skincare can compete—and win. After a severe reaction to conventional products, Daniel began formulating alternatives in his kitchen. That DIY experiment became &SOM Skin: a range of science-backed, 100 % natural formulas that now help thousands of men achieve younger, healthier skin.
Under Daniel’s leadership, &SOM Skin has championed ingredient transparency, upcycled botanicals, and eco-conscious packaging—values that earned the company the prestigious “Skincare Brand of the Year” award in 2024 in their first year business. Today, Daniel’s mission is clear: set a new global standard for men’s grooming by proving clean ingredients, sustainability, and uncompromising results can go hand in hand.
Eliza Gilmour
Regulatory Director, Huda Beauty
As the Director of Regulatory at Huda Beauty, I lead the global compliance and market entry across all Huda Beauty brands in the UK, Europe, Middle East and many other international markets. With over 10 years of experience in the field, I bring expertise in navigating evolving regulatory frameworks and bridging global compliance with the brand’s innovation!
Florence Roghe
Founder and Director, Collateral Projects
Florence Roghe is the founder of collateral projects., a project management and new product development agency specialising in the beauty industry. The agency offers fractional senior-level support, bringing the flexibility and agility modern brands need to scale smarter. With over 20 years of experience, she brings a unique blend of corporate and entrepreneurial insight, having worked with leading UK brands such as Beauty Pie, Soaper Duper, and Soap & Glory.
Through Collateral Projects, Florence has supported a range of premium and purpose-driven brands including Gallinée by Dr. Marie Drago, pioneers in microbiome skincare; MZ Skin by Dr. Maryam Zamani, a luxury doctor-led brand; and MIRROR WATER by Estée Lalonde, focused on self-care and wellbeing— along with various other brands and bespoke projects across the beauty industry.
Florence leads projects from concept to shelf, overseeing formulation, packaging, positioning, and strategy—ensuring each launch aligns with brand values and market needs. Passionate about innovation and product excellence, she helps brands build relevant products in a fast-moving and competitive landscape.
Collateral Projects offers fractional senior-level support, bringing the flexibility and agility modern brands need to scale smarter. Their approach is rooted in clear planning, strong processes, and a deep love for beauty done well.
Kamal Kaur
Managing Director & Principal Regulatory Consultant, The Cosmetic Regulator
Kamal is a UK & EU Responsible Person as well as an expert in UK & EU Cosmetic product regulations with over 9 years experience. Kamal has supported the launch of hundreds of products from global brands such as Scholl, Veet, Clearasil, Dettol, 111SKIN, REFY, Indē Wild & many others. Kamal provides bespoke, strategic and commercially minded solutions to ensure brands can enter and grow into new markets whilst remaining compliant. As well as providing regulatory solutions, Kamal also provides a range of product testing services to support the end-to-end development of your cosmetic products.
Laurent Milet
General Manager, COSMOS-standard AISBL
Laurent Milet is the General Manager of COSMOS-standard AISBL, a Brussels-based non-profit association which owns and manages the COSMOS-standard. Laurent has a wealth of experience in the cosmetics industry, having held high-level positions with responsibilities for human resources, business development strategies, and administrative teamwork for big companies. He is now responsible for leading COSMOS-standard's strategic direction and overseeing all aspects of the business.
Laurent is a recognized speaker at numerous key industry events worldwide, where he advocates for natural and organic cosmetics.
The COSMOS signature is a trusted international consumer guarantee for organic and natural cosmetics, carried by 3 000 companies in 80+ countries in the world.
Layla Al Hajjaj
Founder & Managing Director, Boho Salon
Layla Alhajjaj is a serial entrepreneur and business strategist with a corporate background in the oil & gas, government, and non-profit sectors. After transitioning from the corporate world, she built a name for herself in the beauty and service industries by founding and scaling multiple successful businesses, including:
- Boho Salon – A sustainability-driven salon concept in the UAE.
- FRQNCY Salon – A bold and innovative brand redefining the salon experience.
- SAGE Business Management & Mentorship – A consultancy that helps business owners build profitable, scalable businesses aligned with their vision.
Layla leads with transparency and authenticity, believing that a successful business isn’t just about making money—but about creating impact, culture, and a purpose-driven brand. Her expertise in leadership, operations, branding, and financial strategy has made her a sought-after mentor for entrepreneurs and business owners.
She is passionate about elevating industry standards, helping salon owners and service-based entrepreneurs navigate business challenges, and shifting the mindset from technician to entrepreneur.
Her insights on scaling businesses, leadership, and personal branding have made her a respected voice in the industry. Layla is also a speaker, frequently invited to share her expertise on business growth, leadership, and the evolving beauty industry in the Middle East.
Lina Gallagher
Managing Director, Emerce Consulting
Lina Gallagher is an e-commerce entrepreneur, consultant, and coach with about two decades of experience in the digital arena. She is the Founder and Managing Director of Emerce Consulting, a UAE-based consultancy that aids local and global brands, retailers, and distributors in launching, scaling, and optimizing their digital businesses. As a leading figure in digital business in the Gulf, Gallagher also established the Emerce Coaching global e-commerce training academy to equip individuals with the skills needed to succeed in online business.
Lina Gallagher is a mother and an advocate for women empowerment and connection within the professional community. In 2024 Gallagher co-authored Winning in the Platform Economy: For Commerce Professionals in the GCC Region with Alexander Graf. The book examines emerging e-commerce paradigms and analyzes over 30 global and GCC market players.
Michael Curella
Sr Director MENAT Commercial Strategy, Marketing, CMI, Coty
Michael Curella is a tenured commercial strategist with a global track record leading business transformation across the US, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. He currently oversees Marketing, Commercial Strategy, and Insights for Coty’s MENAT portfolio.
Michael has led multimarket turnarounds, launched brands across regions and shaped global strategies that have driven sustainable growth and margin expansion. His expertise includes large-scale commercial transformation, go-to-market strategy, brand building and innovation planning
A passionate people leader, Michael has developed hundreds of professionals across regions and cultures. He holds an Executive MBA from the University of New South Wales and has served on advisory boards including Rutgers Business School.
Sarah Chung Park
CEO, Landing International Inc.
Sarah Chung Park is the CEO and Founder of Landing International Inc., the leading consultancy for K-Beauty brands entering the U.S. market. She is the creator of K-Beauty World, a groundbreaking discovery platform bringing Korea’s top beauty innovations to global retailers, and the author of The Second Wave of K-Beauty report. Under her leadership, Landing was named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies in Beauty, and she was recognized as one of Inc. Magazine’s Top 100 Female Founders of 2021 and Entrepreneur’s 100 Women of Influence. A sought-after expert in both the U.S. and Korea, she is known for her insights at the intersection of beauty, culture, and commerce.
Simone Swafford
CEO & Founder, Vogue Regulatory
Dr. Simone Swafford is the CEO and Founder of Vogue Regulatory. She is an accomplished Regulatory Affairs professional with almost 20 years of experience in the cosmetics, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and dietary supplement industries.
Dr. Swafford has earned both her master’s degree and the only one of its kind, doctorate in Regulatory Science from the University of Southern California. She has lectured at various educational institutions and has also written the Cosmetics chapter in the USC regulatory textbook, “An Overview of FDA Regulated Products: From Drugs and Cosmetics to Food and Tobacco”.
Soraya Jouzy
Founder, Pearl Tree
Soraya’s passion for clean beauty and appreciate for nature stems from her mother, a keen botanist and her early exposure to natural remedies.
Her appreciation for wellbeing grew out of her long working hours for the Gordon Ramsay group and Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts; using her knowledge of essential oils to help reduce stress, low and energy and overcome disrupted sleeping patterns.
Determined to share this knowledge with the Middle East, a region addicted to chemically induced instant results and growing obsession with cosmetic surgery, including within her own peer group, Soraya resigned from her career and found Pearl Tree distribution. Her mission – to help local women lead naturally healthier lives.
Soraya is now recognized as a regional champion for clean beauty, sustainability and holistic wellbeing regularly working with Media, Corporates and Government to help change mindsets and raise awareness across the Middle East.
She is super passionate about each Brand she distributes and loves sharing the beautiful stories of the amazing pioneers behind each of them.
Toufic Braidi
Founder and CEO, Antati Skincare
Toufic Braidi is a biomedical engineer with an MSc from King’s College London and the visionary founder behind Antati, a science-led skincare brand proudly manufactured in Lebanon and distributed from London.
Before launching his brand, Toufic built a loyal global following as a skincare content creator and product reviewer, with educational videos reaching over 100 million views. Known for his bold, engaging tone and unfiltered approach to beauty education, he became a trusted voice in the world of skincare, especially among Arab youth seeking science-backed, culturally relevant advice.
Today, through Antati, Toufic combines clinical expertise with a deep commitment to ethical skincare, championing ingredient transparency, simplified routines, and formulations tailored to the specific needs of Arab skin and climate. His work is rooted in cultural pride and scientific integrity, positioning him as a compelling figure in the global clean beauty movement.
With a strong public presence and growing influence in the region, Toufic continues to reshape conversations around beauty, identity, and skin health, one molecule at a time.
Valérie Kaminov
Founder & Managing Director, International Luxury Brand Consultancy
Beauty industry veteran Valérie Kaminov’s experience in the world of international cosmetics has led her to develop highly successful collaborations with a global portfolio of beauty and wellness brands. For over 25 years she has been helping businesses establish their name, grow their commercial structure, open new markets and expand their distribution strategy.
Valérie’s innate understanding of luxury beauty is combined with an exceptional industry insight, global market expertise and enviable connections; these valuable assets have resulted in her being a much sought-after consultant for well-known businesses, new start-ups, corporate investors and governmental agencies across a range of different mandates.
Valérie’s impressive track record of successes reflects her extensive knowledge of multiple beauty categories which include haircare, make-up, skincare, fragrances and devices. Her skilful and often innovative approach has been a key part in the transformation of names like REN Skincare, Babor, Penhaligon’s, Orveda and many more. Creativity, individuality and the consumer opportunity are cornerstone qualities she looks for in her brand assessments.
A regular columnist, industry commentator and speaker Valérie brings a global perspective as well as a future-facing focus which saw her be an early champion of increasing the influence of sustainability within the beauty industry.