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.
Anne Tulloch
Wellness Divisional Marketing Director, Alshaya Group
As the Wellness Divisional Marketing Director at Alshaya Group, I lead the Customer & Marketing strategy for a portfolio of global brands across the Middle East including Bath & Body Works, Ulta Beauty, Charlotte Tilbury, Alo Yoga, Boots, Pottery Barn, West Elm. I have over 25 years of international experience in connecting brands with customers in relevant and meaningful ways, using data-driven and customer-centric approaches. Very fortunate as well to have been part of the Grand Jury Judge for Effies MENA, Campaign Middle East Awards and Smarties Awards.
Prior to Alshaya I have successfully developed and executed insight-led integrated marketing campaigns for leading brands such as Red Bull, BSkyB, and Virgin Active.
Angela Thomas
CEO & Founder, Angel Success Consulting
Angela is Europe’s #1 Scaling Expert with over 30 years of international sales and entrepreneurial experience. Based in Dubai since 2022, she has been a sought-after expert in the region since 2016.
Her career began in the beauty industry, where she earned recognition as “The One Who Digitalized the Beauty Industry.” Alongside running her own clinic in Germany, she founded a beauty school and has since trained thousands of professionals worldwide.
Angela has delivered nearly 30,000 training hours, awarded over 4,900 certificates, and mentored students from 125 countries. She is also the author of several industry books.
Today, Angela helps entrepreneurs and businesses scale sustainably by identifying growth opportunities, optimizing financial processes, and strengthening the entrepreneurial mindset. Her approach combines real-world strategies with customer-focused value creation to drive long-term success.
Anita Baker
Managing Director, Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics
Anita Baker joined Lush in 2007 as a Group Accountant, bringing with her a BA (Hons) in Accounting and an ACMA qualification with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. Thanks to her strong commercial and financial expertise, she quickly transitioned to the International Business Development team, where she played a key role in selecting new business partners, opening new markets, and identifying commercial opportunities.
In 2010, Anita relocated to the MENA region to spearhead Lush’s expansion, and today she is responsible for managing Lush-owned operations in the UAE and Bahrain, as well as supporting franchise partners in KSA, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, and Oman. Under her leadership, the region has grown rapidly to encompass 40+ stores over the last decade.
Her role spans branding, PR, property strategy, training and staff wellbeing, product pricing, fulfilment, digital growth, and maintaining standards with MENA licensee partners. Anita is passionate about building sustainable local businesses that create jobs, foster personal development, and give back to communities, while staying true to Lush’s core brand principles: fighting animal testing, regenerating the environment, promoting fresh and handmade products, and ensuring everything is 100% vegetarian.
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).
Caroline Bassoni
Regulatory Affairs Director, COSMED
Bringing 20 years of experience in the cosmetic industry, mainly within Johnson & Johnson, IFF -International Flavours & Fragrances, and Boots on various product categories : skincare, hygiene, suncare, perfumes.
As part of Cosmed, the trade association federating around 1000 French cosmetic companies, Caroline drives and defends the cosmetic sector positions and interests within various French and EU organizations to anticipate and shape the future regulations.
Caroline develops and promotes as well Cosmed scientific expertise and guiding tools such as regulatory monitoring services and training programs at international level.
Daniel Leese
Founder, Andsom Skin
Daniel Leese is the driving force behind Andsom 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 Andsom Skin: a range of science-backed, 100 % natural formulas that now help thousands of men achieve younger, healthier skin.
Under Daniel’s leadership, Andsom 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!
Eve El Gemayel
Managing Partner, House of Beauty
Eve El Gemayel is an experienced salon consultant and beauty industry professional specializing in helping salons and spas grow and thrive. With hands-on expertise in salon setup, furnishing, training, and strategic consulting, Eve supports beauty businesses from concept to completion. Previously, Eve held leadership roles at L’Oréal managing brands like Kérastase, L’Oréal Professionnel, and Essie, and served as Brand Manager at Jashanmal overseeing luxury perfume and cosmetics portfolios including Gucci, Davidoff, Bassam Fattouh, and Christian Dior. Known for facilitating major industry events and trainings such as Kérastase hair shows, she currently leads a team at House of Beauty, providing salons with end-to-end solutions including product distribution from top professional brands like Sech, Helios, Italwax, Brae, and Prohall. Passionate about driving innovation and excellence, Eve is dedicated to empowering the salon and spa community through strategic guidance and comprehensive support.
Ewelina Aiossa
Founder & General Manager, Topical Skin
Ewelina Aiossa is a visionary in inside-out beauty, renowned for her expertise in cosmeceuticals, supplements, and longevity skincare. With over 15 years of leadership in skincare innovation, medical marketing, and brand strategy, she has advanced industry giants including L'Oréal (SkinCeuticals), Pierre Fabre (Avène, Glytone), and Topix Pharmaceuticals (Replenix).
She has been instrumental in developing breakthrough cosmeceutical and nutraceutical products for brands like Clarity Rx, Meg21, Glowbiotics, DermaE, and Herb + Flora. Her entrepreneurial spirit led to the founding of Topical Skin, a clean dermaceutical brand merging biohacking and longevity science to promote skin health and cellular vitality.
Aiossa is also a respected thought leader, contributing to trade journals and speaking at global forums such as Dermatological Beauty Connect, Innocos, and the Global Beauty & Fashion AI Forum. Recognized by CMO.org as a “CMO Psychic” for her ability to anticipate market shifts, she continues to deliver transformative strategies that unite wellness, beauty, and science.
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.
Ines Diogo
Founder, NES Skin
Ines Diogo is the founder of NES SKIN, a Portugal-based skincare clinic and brand known for its Glass Skin concept and personalized Korean-inspired treatments. She combines AI-powered skin diagnostics, advanced facial therapies, and high-performance products to deliver visible, immediate, long-lasting results.
Passionate about education and community, Inês is expanding NES SKIN internationally with innovative beauty products like the Glass Skin Collagen Gummies, while empowering clients to achieve healthier, more radiant skin and habits / routine.
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.
Kenneth Hoellmann
CEO & Founder, MÄNN Skincare
Kenneth Hoellmann is the founder and co-formulator of MÄNN Skincare, a luxury skincare brand for men that blends science and nature to deliver high-performance, 100% natural products. With a deep understanding of the evolving beauty industry, Kenneth has pioneered a brand that goes beyond basic grooming, redefining the modern man’s approach to skincare and wellbeing.
His vision for MÄNN Skincare is centered around not just product innovation but also a shift in how men engage with self-care. As a finalist at the Pure Beauty Global Awards 2025 and with plans for expanding MÄNN’s retail presence internationally, Kenneth is at the forefront of a movement that encourages men to embrace skincare as an integral part of their holistic wellbeing.
Kenneth is also a member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists in the UK and the German Society for Scientific and Applied Cosmetics, contributing to his expertise in skincare formulation and the latest advancements in cosmetic science.
He brings insights into the growing demand for men's beauty products, the importance of neurocosmetic ingredients, and how brands can innovate to meet the needs of this increasingly conscious and self-expressive demographic.
Lana A Kerr
Founder & CEO, Lumisque, Inc./ CO2Lift®
Lana Kerr is the CEO & Founder of Lumisque Skincare and the creator of CO2LIFT®, the first professional-grade, non-invasive carboxytherapy gel. A global leader in age management and women’s wellness, she introduced CO2LIFT® to the U.S. in 2016, revolutionizing clinical skincare and intimate health. With over 20 years in health and beauty, Lana is a passionate advocate for confidence, inclusivity, and innovation—empowering individuals to age boldly, without needles or shame.
Laurene Joie
CEO & Founder, Gaudia Beauty
French beauty entrepreneur Laurene Joie founded Gaudia Beauty, a luxurious haircare brand born in the GCC. Gaudia combines dates and other regionally inspired ingredients with French science to create sensorial, clean, and effective formulas tailored to the climate and hair needs of women in the region.
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.
Lavinia Popescu
Chief Science Officer, Olaplex
Lavinia Popescu is the Chief Scientist Officer at Olaplex. One of the hottest haircare brands in the beauty industry, Olaplex is using disruptive technologies to create the haircare products of the future. Olaplex is a public company, operating in many countries around the world.
In her role at Olaplex, Lavinia is responsible for all aspects of the company’s Research & Development efforts. This includes innovation, ingredient & technology development, formulation development, and clinical and consumer studies. Lavinia joined Olaplex in 2020 and has developed many retail and professional products, using cutting edge technologies.
Prior to joining Olaplex, Lavinia worked as a VP R&D/PD at Moroccanoil as well as a Senior Director R&D/PD at Elizabeth Arden. Earlier in her career, Lavinia worked as Senior Scientist in R&D at Estee Lauder.
Lavinia holds a master’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Bucharest, as well as an MBA from Dowling College, New York. She was also a Visiting Scholar at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Layal Akouri
Partner & CEO, Nadine Njeim Beauty
Layal is a multinational CEO, turnaround strategist, and tech-driven retail leader with over 20 years of experience in brand innovation, transformation, and global growth. She is currently Partner & CEO at Nadine Njeim Beauty, a premium Middle Eastern beauty brand known for its clean, hybrid makeup-skincare technology and rapid market ascent under her leadership.
With a strong track record in growth acceleration, turnaround management, and exits, Layal combines operational expertise with visionary leadership. She excels in identifying opportunities, mobilizing organizations, and leveraging technology-driven retail solutions to drive innovation, customer satisfaction, and sustainable growth. Her hands-on approach and strategic insight make her a sought-after leader for brands navigating complex markets.
Layla Alhajjaj
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.
Marina Fallahi
Founder, Bhive London
Marina Fallahi is the Founder of Bhive, the AI-powered platform redefining how consumers discover the right hair products. With over 14 years of marketing experience at global beauty giants including Schwarzkopf and Revlon, Marina blends deep industry insight with a personal mission: to end the confusion and overwhelm of navigating hair care.
Frustrated by the trial-and-error approach so many face, she created Bhive — a community-driven platform that leverages real user experiences and AI to deliver personalised product recommendations that truly work. At the same time, Bhive empowers brands to reach their most relevant customers with unmatched precision.
Metta Murdaya
Founder, Juara
Metta Murdaya, born in Jakarta and based between New York City and Jakarta, is the founder of JUARA, an award-winning skincare brand inspired by Indonesia’s Jamu wellness tradition. She holds degrees in Cognitive Science and Architecture from UC Berkeley and an MBA in Finance and Management from NYU Stern. Metta has worked in operations, consulting, and general management for global brands like Home Depot and Nike, and leads strategic initiatives in her family business in Indonesia. She is the author of the Gourmand Award–winning book Jamu Lifestyle, a wellness speaker, and an active member of the Global Wellness Institute and YPO.
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.
Myriam Rezgui
CEO & Founder, Caire Solutions
I’m the Founder & CEO of Caire Solutions, a French company based in Dubai that develops intelligent virtual assistants for luxury skincare brands and aesthetic clinics.
I’m passionate about the intersection of beauty and technology. Through Caire Solutions, I help premium brands personalize their customer experience, increase conversion rates, and build lasting loyalty, all while preserving brand identity and protecting user data.
Under my leadership, Caire Solutions received the Beauty AI Innovation Award and was honored at the Women of Heart Awards for its contribution to AI in beauty and skincare.
Pooja Rawat
Pooja Rawat, Director- Category Management, Chalhoub Group
9. BIO Pooja Rawat is a seasoned beauty industry leader with over 18 years of experience across cosmetics, skincare, fragrances, and FMCG. She currently heads Category Management for Faces at Chalhoub Group, driving strategy and commercial performance across 70+ stores in the GCC. Her core expertise spans brand and vendor management, joint business planning, omni-channel retail, and P&L ownership.
Prior to Chalhoub, Pooja held senior leadership roles at Apparel Group (leading Inglot Cosmetics), Landmark Group (cosmetics and fragrances), and Wal-Mart India, where she launched and scaled the beauty category. She is known for delivering commercial growth, high-impact campaigns, and iconic launches including the Inglot x Jennifer Lopez collection.
Pooja holds an Executive MBA in Strategic Retail Management from the Indian School of Business and is passionate about shaping the future of beauty in the region.
Said Al-Jundi
Chief Physician, Vascular Surgery
Dr. med. Said Al-Jundi is a highly accomplished vascular surgeon with over 16 years of experience in complex vascular conditions, specialising in carotid artery surgery, aortic interventions (EVAR, TEVAR, FEVAR, IBE, TBE), peripheral and visceral artery procedures, diabetic foot and wound management, dialysis access, and cosmetic vein treatments including sclerotherapy.
After earning his medical degree from the University of Damascus, he completed extensive surgical training at top cardiovascular centres in Germany and the Vascular International School in Switzerland. He holds a PhD in Surgery (Magna cum Laude) from the University of Düsseldorf.
Dr. Al-Jundi serves as Chief of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at Petrus Hospital in Wuppertal and maintains a private clinic at ACM Königsallee in Düsseldorf. He is among 20 surgeons in Germany trained in the advanced Gore TBE branched device. Committed to education and research, he teaches at the University of Düsseldorf, leads the Endovascular Research Programme in Wroclaw, Poland, and regularly contributes to international conferences and publications.
A member of the German Society of Vascular Surgery, the European Society for Vascular Surgery, and the Association of Arab Doctors in North Rhine-Westphalia, Dr. Al-Jundi continues to advance vascular surgery through clinical innovation, teaching, and global collaboration.
Sammy Gharieni
Founder & CEO, Gharieni Group
Sammy Gharieni is known for his visionary industry leadership and his pioneering spirit. He has built an extraordinary Wellness brand based on a DNA of innovation. He began by revolutionizing the sector of treatment beds more than 30 years ago, when he founded the Gharieni Group, realizing there were important gaps in the market that could be turned into singular opportunities. Today, the Gharieni Group has a 120-country reach and is the leading company and thought leader in the area of spa, wellness, and medical treatment beds, and Mind/Body Wellness Technologies. Under its wings, the Gharieni Group now encompasses three brands: its legacy brand Gharieni, the innovative Mind/Body Wellness Technologies brand Metawell, and Bentlon, bringing a fresh approach to business ownership with midmarket products and vibrant, engaging branding.
Sammy is the recipient of the coveted ´A Life of Beauty Award’ from industry event, Beauty Düsseldorf, and ‘A lifetime Achievement Award’ from Australia’s renowned Elly Lukas Beauty Therapy College. His unique perspective, having been raised between Belgium and Tunisia, together with an engineering education in Germany, fuels his passion for driving innovation. He continues to travel the globe to find inspiration and new ideas to create new business opportunities and improve existing processes. His customer-centric mindset is always looking to improve service, curate experiences, and refine processes that will deliver exceptional value and support his customers’ businesses – while delighting the consumer with unique Wellness experiences.
Sara Al Rashid
Founder, Asteri Beauty
Sara Alrashed is the founder of Asteri Beauty, a Saudi-born brand redefining desert-proof, clean, and vegan beauty. With a background in interior architecture and creative direction, Sara brings a unique design-driven approach to product development and brand storytelling. Since its launch, Asteri has rapidly expanded, opening 13 stores in just two years across the GCC, with global growth on the horizon. The brand’s pillars—truth, inclusivity, sustainability, and sisterhood—reflect Sara’s vision of building a modern beauty movement rooted in authenticity and cultural identity.
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.
Shari Jafari
Partner, Mind The Beauty AG
Shari Jafari is a strategic leader in beauty, wellness, and business expansion. With a proven track record in driving growth for global brands, she has led transformative initiatives at the intersection of technology and skincare.
As Co-Founder of Simon Ourian M.D., Shari integrated AI-driven personalization into skincare, expanding its global reach. She also Co-founded the Beyond Beauty Club, fostering community-driven beauty innovation and scaling its impact significantly across the EU.
Previously, Shari held leadership roles for 17 years at the Estée Lauder Companies, spearheading market growth and strategic brand development. Her tenure, of over a decade, in the Middle East saw her successfully navigate high-growth markets, expanding beauty and wellness brands across the region.
Now based in Zurich, Shari continues to lead international business expansion, focusing on personalization, innovation, and high-performance brand strategies, through her Advisory company, One Eleven.
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
Known for her unparalleled global perspective, Valérie Kaminov’s enviable credentials in driving international expansion and propelling beauty brands to the next level has led her to be recognised as a leading authority in how to grow businesses around the world. For over 25 years she has been collaborating with Indie, Founder and Legacy brands from across beauty and wellness, and helping transform their businesses through her in-depth experience in strategic development, advisory services, new market identification and entry preparation, building organisational structure and distribution planning.
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. This deep expertise comes with a passionate commitment to furthering sustainability within the beauty sector.
Highly sought after as a moderator, panellist and keynote speaker, Valérie is also an expert columnist and recognised author of market reports. With offices in London, Paris and Dubai, Valérie Kaminov and International Luxury Brand Consultancy offers a range of services across the international beauty and wellness sectors.