Abhishek Raghuraman
Manager, Business Development EU & USA, Amitié Fleur Products LLP
Amitié Fleur is a fragrance ingredient house rooted in the jasmine meadows of South India. We produce high-quality floral concretes, absolutes, and essential oils through sustainable farming, in-house extraction, and ethical sourcing. With our own farms, automated processing units, and a strong focus on quality, traceability, and community impact, Amitié Fleur bridges tradition and innovation — from flower to fragrance.
Achim Daub
CEO, OnScent
Achim Daub was appointed CEO of OnScent® in November 2022, bringing with him a reputation for pushing the boundaries of innovation, sustainability, and creativity in the fragrance industry. At the helm of this Riverside Company-backed enterprise, Mr. Daub is leading a bold mission to disrupt the U.S. fragrance market by leveraging a suite of cuttingedge, AI-powered technologies that deliver superior scent solutions.
His career began at Procter & Gamble, where he served as Global Marketing Director for P&G’s Fine Fragrance business which included the Hugo Boss fragrance franchise. He later joined Coty as General Manager, where he played a pivotal role in strengthening the company’s position across key European markets. Mr. Daub’s most transformative impact came during his 16-year tenure at Symrise AG, where, as Global President and Executive Board Member, he built the $1.5B Symrise Scent & Care division.
A visionary at the intersection of fragrance and technology, Mr. Daub spearheaded the development of Philyra, the world’s first AI-powered fragrance creation system developed in collaboration with the IBM Watson Research Center. His commitment to innovation continues with support for pioneering AI scent technologies such as Moodify, which uses AI to remaster existing fragrances using sensory science, and ScentRadar.ai™, OnScent’s proprietary platform that “smells” social media 24/7 to forecast future olfactive trends in real-time.
Throughout his career, Mr. Daub has blended strategic leadership with bold creative exploration, fostering a “Why Not?” culture that empowers fearless experimentation. A native of Germany, he credits his formative years as a chef’s apprentice with instilling a lifelong passion for crafting transformative sensory experiences through unique ingredient pairings.
Ajay Bindroo
Managing Partner, BHPC Lifestyle FZE
Ajay Bindroo is a visionary entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience building billion-dollar enterprises and iconic brands. As former Group CEO of Supermax, he scaled the company into the world’s second-largest razor blade manufacturer, valued at USD 1 billion. In 2014, he partnered with Eli Haddad to expand Beverly Hills Polo Club and now serves as Managing Partner, driving its global growth across fashion, lifestyle, and fragrances. Renowned for bridging East-West business cultures, Ajay continues to shape brands into global powerhouses.
Alex Wiltschko
Founder and CEO, Osmo
Alex Wiltschko is Founder and CEO of Osmo, the first company to digitize scent, and Generation by Osmo, the pioneering fragrance house leveraging its proprietary OI technology, chemistry, and artistry to create bespoke fragrances.He is a repeat entrepreneur and has spent much of his career exploring new frontiers and building businesses at the intersection of AI and biology. Previously, he was a research leader at Google DeepMind, has founded and exited two AI companies (Syllable, sold to Neumora; Whetlab, sold to Twitter), and was named to the Top 100 people in AI by Business Insider. Alex holds a Ph.D. in Olfactory Neuroscience from Harvard University.
Amandine Nikuze
VP Marketing, Ajmal Perfumes
There are certain scents that stay with us from our childhood.
For me, these fragrant memories, like the smell of dewy tuberoses in my parents’ garden, or the passion fruit vines, so prevalent in Rwanda where I grew up, were particularly special and would go on to fuel my curiosity in the world of perfumery.
Trained at ISIPCA School of Perfumery in Versailles, I discovered the profession in Dubai with IFF and moved to Firmenich where I was able to bridge the gap between the Gulf heritage and the French perfume craftmanship.
Each fragrance development is for me an empty canvas that I shape through my emotions, creativity, sensitivity and sense of detail.
My talent and expertise are renowned in the GCC and worldwide, constantly expecting elements of surprise from new briefs.
Ayyappa Vemulkar
Director, Padmini Aromatics
Ayyappa Vemulkar was introduced to the world of Fragrance at a young age, being part of a family business manufacturing incense sticks and aroma chemicals. He holds a Bachelor of Science in General Engineering from Harvey Mudd College, where he developed a deep appreciation for interdisciplinary problem-solving. After spending a short stint in high-tech and manufacturing in the US, Ayyappa joined his family Business – Padmini Aromatics, where he leads strategy and product development today. Ayyappa’s primary interest is making complex fragrance chemistry work at scale!
Christophe Laudamiel
Master Perfumer, Osmo
Over the last 20+ years, Christophe has worked at or with prominent companies including Procter & Gamble, IFF, Firmenich, Mane, and more unsusually, e.g. with the largest air management company in the world (FlaektWoods) for his shows at the Guggenheim Museums or for a mission with Google Brain. He composed top-10 scents for fashion and beauty houses such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Clinique, Tom Ford, Thierry Mugler, Ralph Lauren, and for numerous niche brands such as Strangelove and The Zoo NYC, as well as for Canada Goose and numerous prestigious hotels and luxury brands worlwide. He has been the in-house master perfumer at Osmo since 2023. The first fragrances by Generation by Osmo using AI at the formulation or molecule discovery levels have now just launched. Furthermore, with Osmo’s scientists and pharmacologists, he is involved in scent digitalization, in the selection of new captive molecules as well as publishing, in open-source, a comprehensive reference taxonomy to foster olfactory research, education and constructive public communication. He also enjoys a position as Chief Perfumer at BélAir Lab Tokyo, a subsidiary of Rohto Pharmaceuticals, creating scent for the air across different technologies, B2B and DTC. He or his fragrances have received numerous awards, from chemistry medals and a CNRS Award to the only “Education Award” ever presented by a Fragrance Foundation. He is a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Los Angeles Institute of Art and Olfaction.
His passion to teach and protect the art of Perfumery at the highest level, to defend ingredients, be they molecular or natural, as well as an extra injection of ethics into the industry has been widely recognized as exceptional.
Cynthia Reichard
Chair of the Board and President, Arylessence Inc.
Cynthia Reichard is President at Arylessence, a leading fragrance and flavor innovator headquartered in Marietta, Georgia. With over 25 years at the company, Cynthia strategically drives bespoke scent and taste solutions that resonate deeply with domestic and global consumers. Arylessence created scents can be experience in a wide variety of finished products including some of the most beloved beauty and fine fragrance brands.
Her visionary leadership ensures Arylessence—North America’s largest privately held fragrance firm—is continually positioned to accelerate innovation at speed. Leveraging regional labs, logistics, and regulatory teams, she secures seamless delivery and compliance across international markets. As Chair of the Fragrance Creators Association, Cynthia actively shapes industry standards, driving initiatives around innovation, sustainability, and safety, helping ready the industry to navigate the evolving domestic and global fragrance landscapes.
Darryl Do
Perfumer, Delbia Do & Director and Perfumer, American Society of Perfumers
Darryl Do is a seasoned perfumer with a keen interest in exploring novel applications of fragrance materials. As a graduate of the esteemed perfumery school ISIPCA (Versailles, France) Darryl has honed his talent in fragrance creation and developed a deep understanding of the olfactory arts.
Serving as a lead perfumer at Delbia Do Company, Darryl has cultivated a wealth of experience in the fragrance industry and is an expert in regulatory and FDA compliance.
Darryl is known for his dedication to his craft, as well as his ability to blend creativity with technical expertise. With a focus on achieving the perfect balance between artistic vision and functionality, Darryl has successfully crafted distinctive and memorable scents across various applications, from personal care products to fine fragrances.
Darryl's work exemplifies his passion for olfaction and its ability to evoke powerful emotions and memories, and his ongoing commitment to further refining his skills as a perfumer continues to shape his exceptional career in the fragrance industry.
Darine El Sabbagh
General Manager E-commerce & Omnichannel, Chalhoub Group
Darine El Sabbagh is a seasoned leader with 16 years of experience driving growth across digital marketing, e-commerce, and omnichannel retail in the beauty and luxury sectors. She has led transformative initiatives at Chalhoub Group, Golden Scent, and Feel22, co-founded and exited a leading beauty e-commerce platform, and advised over 50 MENA-based clients on digital strategy and business scaling. Darine combines strategic vision with hands-on expertise in product, tech, CRM, performance marketing, and omnichannel growth to deliver impactful customer experiences.
Dominique Moellhaussen
Perfumer and R&D Director, Moellhausen
Raised in an open and multicultural international environment, Dominique Moellhausen experienced the fascinating variety of fragrances and she developed a unique sensitivity for all the ethnicities and cultures of the world.
She was born in Milan on March 9th of 1992, to a Paraguayan mother of Dutch origin and an Italian father of German origin.
Ever since she was a child, Dominique has travelled the world with her father Anthony, the President of the family company, and she has studied and spoken four languages: Italian and Spanish (mother tongue), English and French.
After specializing in modern languages at high school, she lived in London and Paris to study International Affairs and Business. Once she graduated, Dominique decided to consolidate her perfumery vocation at the Grasse Institute of Perfumery, the prestigious international perfumery school.
Altogether, Dominique followed a consistent study path for a young woman with inherent artistic talents and grown up in the Moellhausen family, which operates in the flavor and fragrance industry since 1967.
Today, she is Perfumer and R&D Director at Moellhausen. Young, Italian, winning: Dominique Moellhausen has been awarded as Perfumer of the year at Beautyworld Middle East Awards both in 2020 and in 2023.
It is her belief that perfume is a global communication code, capable of speaking different languages depending on the nose smelling it, of triggering emotions which change depending on personal experiences.
A sensibility that Dominique developed thanks also to her “free spirit” years between Paris and London, to her travels and her lively curiosity. She carries out these explorations by daily immersing herself in novelty and diversity, driven by the desire to better and better know tastes, fashions, habits and culinary preferences of the various cultures and ethnicities.
To Dominique Moellhausen everything can be a source of inspiration: a person, a dish, a landscape, a single ingredient, and even so an adjective, a book, a story.
Elisa Aragon
Founder & CEO, Nelixia
Elisa Aragon is the Co-founder and CEO of Nelixia, a Latin American company producing sustainable natural ingredients for the fragrance, cosmetics, and food industries.
With a background in chemistry and an entrepreneurial vision, she combines scientific expertise with the purpose of building an impact-driven company—bridging the gap between North and South through value chains rooted in dialogue, responsibility, and respect.
Guided by this approach, she has developed a certifiable methodology that makes sustainability tangible in the field and translates into practices with measurable impact. Over the years, Nelixia has built three production sites and extended its sustainable sourcing model to five Latin American countries, proving that natural ingredients can empower communities and restore ecosystems.
Elisa also serves on the Board of the Union for Ethical BioTrade (UEBT), contributing her experience to strengthen ethical sourcing globally.
Farah Ahmed
President & CEO, Fragrance Creators Association
Farah Ahmed is the CEO of the Fragrance Creators Association (FCA), a prominent trade organization representing the multi-billion-dollar scent industry, a top-three driver of consumer purchasing in the $2.5 trillion U.S. consumer products sector. FCA’s membership includes a highly diverse array of national and global companies along the fragrance value chain, including some of the most innovative fragrance houses and recognized brands in beauty. Under Farah’s leadership, the association has established relationships with the White House, Department of Commerce, federal agencies, Congress, and key state governments. She has effectively influenced critical economic, trade, and regulatory policies, achieving landmark advancements in new chemical approvals and securing tariff exclusions valued in the billions of dollars. Farah champions innovation by leading science-based policies that shape a marketplace that fosters sustainable innovation, responsible industry growth, and market access. Her professional experience includes senior roles at the Personal Care Products Council and legal positions at Kelley Drye & Warren and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Ghassan Hajjaj
Fragrance Spokesperson, L’Oréal LUXE
Ghassan Hajjaj is the L’Oréal Middle East fragrance spokesperson, based in Dubai for the L’Oréal LUXE fragrance brands. With almost 3 decades of experience in the luxury industry both in training and communication he is today a recognized expert on fragrances in the industry.
After graduating from The Protocol School of Washington® in 2005, he also started training organizations, corporations, and individuals on matters of corporate etiquette and international protocol and is regularly quoted and hosted on TV and media on matters of Royal Protocol and Etiquette.
He has provided training in more than 35 countries, has lived in six countries, and speaks ten languages. His many travels and training presentations across the globe in both fragrances as well as protocol have given him a unique insight into people’s skills and the diplomacy needed to interact and cooperate with people of many different backgrounds and cultures and of course the cultural impact and importance of fragrances and scents around the world.
As L’Oréal LUXE fragrance spokesperson, he takes an active part in communicating on fragrances as well as educating on them, heading the regional L’Oréal Fragrance Academy to build expertise across the Middle East. Mr. Hajjaj also assists the brands with creating locally relevant fragrances.
Mr. Hajjaj is also a diversity champion within L’Oréal’s Diversity and Inclusion mission team, where he takes part in educating L’Oréal’s employees about diversity and expanding his expertise in cultural intelligence. His mission is to spread the culture of a welcoming atmosphere where people of every social, economic, and cultural origin can blend.
Jacques Cavallier Belletrud
Louis Vuitton Master Perfumer, Louis Vuitton
Born in Grasse, the cradle of perfumery, Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud grew up surrounded by fragrance. Taught by his perfumer father to recognize over 500 scents by age 10, he went on to train at Charabot and Firmenich, developing his first formula at 18.
Over his career, he has created legendary fragrances including Jean Paul Gaultier Le Mâle, Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey, Dior Addict, Yves Saint Laurent Opium pour Homme, and Lancôme Poême.
In 2012, he was appointed Master Perfumer for Louis Vuitton, where he established the brand’s perfume workshop in Grasse. He launched the Maison’s first fragrance collection in 2016 and has since created acclaimed lines such as Les Parfums Louis Vuitton, Les Colognes, Les Extraits, and Les Parfums de Matière Noire.
His collaborations include the groundbreaking Les Extraits Collection (2020) designed with architect Frank Gehry, and his work continues with recent creations like Ombre Nomade, Nuit de Feu, Imagination, and Les Parfums Atlas (2024).
Today, Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud is celebrated as one of the most influential perfumers of his generation, shaping the olfactory identity of Louis Vuitton with innovation and artistry.
Jasmina Illic
Fragrance Development Manager, CPL Aromas
Jasmina is a seasoned professional with a Masters in Chemical Engineering and a certification in Leadership Essentials from IMD. With a decade of experience in the fragrance industry, including eight years in fragrance development, Jasmina has a rich background that spans various roles and sectors. Starting her career as an analytical chemist, Jasmina moved to Dubai in 2011 to work as a Chemical Engineering the Oil and Gas sector. Her passion for cosmetics and fragrances led her to CPL Aromas Dubai in 2015, where she began as an Analyst in Quality Control. Her fascination with the emotive power of fragrances propelled her to transition to the evaluation department after nearly two years in QC. Currently, as the Fragrance Development Manager, Jasmina leads a team of evaluators at CPL's Dubai office. Her role involves staying abreast of market trends, engaging with customers on new products, and leading cross-category fragrance development. Her exposure to marketing, branding, strategy, and process improvements through internal projects showcases her versatility and commitment to excellence in her field. Jasmina's journey reflects a blend of technical expertise and a deep appreciation for the art of perfumery, making her an asset to the fragrance development realm.
Jasmine Zaki
Managing Partner for the MENA region, Ballard Partners
Jasmine Zaki is the Managing Partner for the Middle East and North Africa at Ballard Partners, where she drives strategic advisory and government relations efforts across the region. A former senior counsel at Bechtel and international law practitioner for over a decade, Jasmine brings deep expertise in market entry, compliance, and geopolitical strategy. She has guided leading U.S. and global companies on complex transactions, joint ventures, M&A, and risk mitigation across key Middle Eastern and North African markets, including the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Libya, and Syria. Jasmine also has extensive experience advising sovereign governments and sovereign entities on international law, investment policy, and post-conflict market development. She currently serves as president and Chairwoman of the Board of the Middle East Policy Council and is a frequent media contributor on Middle East affairs. Jasmine began her career as Press Officer for the United Nations Mission to Iraq. She holds a J.D. from Indiana University Maurer School of Law and a B.A. (cum laude) from the University of Memphis. Fluent in English and Arabic, Jasmine brings a uniquely informed perspective on regional dynamics, public-private partnerships, and investment opportunities across the MENA region.
Julie Contat Desfontaines
Founder, SILLAGE and Partner, CINQUIEME SENS
With over 15 years of experience in the Fine Fragrance industry, Julie has held key leadership roles, most notably as Sales & Marketing Director at a leading international fragrance house.
She has been deeply engaged in shaping the olfactive landscape of the Middle East, collaborating closely with perfumers and brand creators—both global and regional.
Driven by a profound appreciation for the emotional and cultural dimensions of scent, Julie sees fragrance as a powerful element that bridges heritage, identity, and innovation.
Today, she is the Founder of SILLAGE, an olfactive consulting company and Partner of CINQUIEME SENS in the UAE and KSA, dedicated to advancing fragrance knowledge across the region.
Lovkesh Kapoor
Global CEO, BELLAVITA
As Global CEO of BELLAVITA & ONE GUARDIAN, Mr. Lovkesh Kapoor is the driving force behind the brand’s global ascent.
Under his leadership, the brand has emerged as a category leader across digital platforms, from Amazon to TikTok Shop, fueling rapid growth through disruptive strategies. In the Americas, BELLAVITA is one of the top-selling fragrance brands on TikTok Shop, powered by collaborations with thousands of influencers each month and sharp, data-led marketing initiatives. BELLAVITA’s fragrances also rank as the top-selling and most preferred by consumers on Amazon.
In just two years, the brand has expanded across the Americas, Asia, the SAARC region, the Middle East, the UK, Europe, the Baltics, and Australia, with 15 more market launches slated by year-end.
With nearly 20 years of experience in investment banking, venture capital, and brand management, Mr. Lovkesh has held pivotal roles across institutional investing and consumer brand scale-ups.
Driven by clarity and bold conviction, Mr. Lovkesh Kapoor isn’t merely scaling brands; he’s reshaping the global consumer narrative.
Mahdi Zahreddine
Managing Director, Dullberg Konzentra GmbH & Co KG
Mahdi Zahreddine is the Managing Director of Düllberg Konzentra Middle East, where he drives growth and creative excellence in the region’s fragrance industry. With an entrepreneurial mindset and a background in engineering, he brings over 12 years of experience in the fragrance, perfume, and cosmetics world, having developed products and businesses across 30+ countries in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Marie-Eugenie Bouge
Marketing & Communication Director, Expressions Parfumees
Since November 2023, Marie-Eugénie Bouge has been Marketing and Communication Director at Expressions Parfumées and a member of the Executive Committee.
With over 20 years of experience in the fragrance industry, she oversees the company’s global marketing strategy and communication, contributing to its international development. Her responsibilities include market and consumer insights analysis, trend anticipation, brand positioning, and the development of communication strategies that strengthen Expressions Parfumées’ growth and global visibility.
She began her career as an Evaluator at Robertet before joining Payan Bertrand, where she held several managerial positions and ultimately became Director of Creation and Communication, leveraging her dual expertise in fragrance compositions and natural ingredients.
Marie-Jeanne Acquaviva
Writer
Marie-Jeanne Acquaviva was born in 1973 in Paris. She studied French literature at La Sorbonne, her PHD focused on literary hoaxes from the XVII century: women authors passing for men, fiction passing for real letters. She worked in French publishing as an editor for over 10 years, shared a food and autofiction blog with a Russian and an Italian partner focused on how cooking habits and recipes are linked to our culture and intimacy. Later became a translator and have been writing portraits and conducting interviews for various French and English publications in Dubai. Arrived in Dubai in 2015.
Minal Siyal
Founder, Siyate
Minal Siyal, the visionary force behind Siyate, a niche fragrance house, and Beauty Binge, the UAE’s pioneering clean beauty platform. With Siyate, she has redefined perfumery as a collectible art form—where fragrances are not just worn but experienced as journeys of identity, heritage, and expression.
At Siyate, Minal has created four signature collections—Echoes of Heritage, Rooted Mirage, Feast for Your Senses, and Alpine Privé—each capturing a distinct narrative through scent and design. A design-first brand, Siyate collaborates with artists and artisans to craft bottles and packaging that are as evocative as the fragrances within. Proudly homegrown in Dubai, the brand is pioneering the collectibles era of perfumery, positioning fragrances as timeless art objects that transcend trends and become part of one’s personal legacy. Each Siyate perfume is conceived as a timeless statement—crafted in small batches, rooted in rarity, and designed to spark emotional connection beyond fleeting trends.
Through Beauty Binge, she has also championed inclusive, gender-neutral, and conscious beauty, curating several clean brands and reshaping consumer awareness in the region.
Minal’s dual ventures place her at the intersection of luxury, innovation, and cultural artistry, establishing her as one of the region’s most dynamic voices in the evolving world of beauty and fragrance.
Mohamed Ali Hilal Zahir Alhazami
CEO, Mohamed Hilal Group
Mohamed Hilal is a distinguished Emirati business leader and visionary entrepreneur whose career spans aviation, luxury, and cross-industry innovation. As Founder & CEO of Mohamed Hilal Group, he has built one of the UAE’s most influential multi-sector enterprises, anchored in the creation of luxury brands that embody culture, identity, and emotion.
A former Emirates Airline pilot, Mohamed transitioned from aviation to entrepreneurship with a singular mission: to “Create New Emotions.” Since establishing Mohamed Hilal Group in 2008, he has cultivated a world-class portfolio of fragrance houses, lifestyle F&B concepts, artisanal jewelry, luxury retail, and innovation-driven experiences. The Group’s brands—including Hind Al Oud, Khaltat, and Anfasic Dokhoon—are now recognized as cultural and commercial icons across the region and beyond.
In recognition of his entrepreneurial vision, Mohamed was honored in 2013 with the “Best Entrepreneur Award” by Chef Mohamed Rachid and SME World, a distinction that underscored his role as one of the UAE’s most influential and pioneering business leaders.
His leadership extends beyond commerce into national and regional governance. Mohamed has served as a Board Member of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Expo Centre Sharjah, and as Vice Chairman of the UAE Franchise Association. In addition, he contributes to higher education and talent development through his roles on the Advisory Board of the University of Sharjah and the Advisory Board of Canadian University Dubai, where he provides strategic guidance on innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry engagement.
Mohamed’s pioneering collaborations—such as the 2009 partnership with Rolls-Royce to create the exclusive PEONY fragrance for the launch of the Ghost model—demonstrate his commitment to excellence, craftsmanship, and storytelling at the highest levels of global luxury. In 2019, he launched HOB, the UAE’s first multi-brand luxury concept space, further cementing his reputation as an innovation leader redefining luxury through culture and emotion.
Today, Mohamed Hilal is regarded as a senior strategic leader, advisor, and trusted board member whose influence spans entrepreneurship, governance, and innovation.
His philosophy remains clear and enduring:
Luxury is not material—it is an emotional force that inspires happiness, culture, and humanity.
Olivia Lavinia Froudkine
Photographer
Born in 1974 in Milan, Olivia Froudkine has studied International Penal Law and Art History in Paris before moving to the United States where she has spent 8 years after completion of the General Studies Program at the ICP ( International Center of Photography) in NYC. She started as a photojournalist, focusing on women’s fate during conflicts, she collaborates with frenche and foreign magazines. She has been participating in group and personal exhibitions in Paris, NYC and Europe. Since 2003, she has reoriented her work towards fine art photography and works commercially in advertising and corporate work. She has been living in Dubai since 2012.
Olivier Viejo
VP Fine Fragrance IMAT, dsm-firmenich
Olivier joined Firmenich in 2001 in Geneva. During his 23 years at Firmenich, Olivier has been holding several positions in sales and marketing, in many geographies like Geneva, Paris, Mexico City, Singapore and he has been established in Shanghai for the past 9 years.
In 2018 Olivier led the opening of the Fine Fragrance Atelier in Shanghai, being a pioneer in China to support the development of Chinese Fine Fragrance brands and the development of Firmenich’s capabilities to support local and International brands.
Since July 2022 Olivier was named Vice President, Fine Fragrance, ASIA, taking in addition to China an extended responsibility over the Fine Fragrance business in South-East Asia, North-East Asia and India.
Born in Geneva, Switzerland, Olivier Viejo is a Swiss and Spanish citizen, he speaks fluently French, Spanish, English and Portuguese, and basic conversational Mandarin.
Olivier attended Superior School of Management, Geneva, earning a degree in Marketing and Enterprise Communication.
Philippine de Vanssay
Senior Marketing Manager, Fine Fragrance, dsm-firmenich
Philippine de Vanssay is Senior Marketing Manager for the Fine Fragrance division at dsm-firmenich. Her role involves marketing and branding for Fine Fragrance brands in the Middle East & Africa market. She has been working for 11 years in the industry, and 4 years in Dubai.
Raja Palaniswamy
Director, Jasmine Concrete Exports Private Limited
Raja Palaniswamy has been with Jasmine Concrete Exports Private Limited since its early days, strategically guiding its overall growth. He is the Chief Commercial Officer/ joint owner of Jasmine Concrete Exports Private Limited. He has been the key to establishing and nourishing relationships that bring sales and new business opportunities. His contribution has ensured a healthy growth in the top line and maintained a healthy bottom line for the organization. His guidance in ensuring a sustainable business model through sustainable farming, earlier on, has been paving new opportunities in recent times.
Ralph Bou Nader
General Manager, General Manager, Arabian Oud International Company
Ralph Bou Nader, a distinguished executive with over 25 years of international experience in General Manager and VP roles at prestigious companies such as L’Oréal and VF Corporation, is a specialist in high-level brand strategy, development, and global sales. Proficient in English, French, Arabic, Spanish, and Italian, he offers a sophisticated intercultural perspective. Ralph directly collaborates with businesses, providing strategic counsel on executive-level strategy, product development, and channel optimization to elevate brand presence. His expertise spans market research, value proposition, brand naming, emotional connection, and consistent communications, showcasing his VP and GM-level proficiency in steering effective brand development and business growth. Beyond sales, his competencies encompass executive-level business development, category management, and adept navigation of diverse markets.
Rawya Catto
General Manager, CPL Aromas- Dubai Sales
Meet Rawya Catto, a visionary leader and the General Manager of CPL Aromas - Dubai Sales, whose journey in the world of fragrances has been nothing short of extraordinary. With a specialized academic background, Rawya is a graduate of ISIPCA, setting the foundation for her passionate career in the fragrance industry.
With over 18 years of enriching experience, Rawya has seamlessly navigated the diverse realms of both global giants and local brands, as well as renowned fragrance houses like CPL Aromas. Her journey has been marked by a passion for scents that transcends boundaries, showcasing her versatility and ability to adapt to different houses & brand landscapes.
Rawya's expertise extends beyond her role as a General Manager, making her a sought-after Fragrance Consultant. She lends her keen insights to brands aiming to tailor their offerings for the dynamic Middle Eastern market. Her profound understanding of cultural nuances and regional preferences positions her as a valuable guide for those striving to create fragrances that resonate with the unique essence of the Middle East.
As a Fine Fragrances & Middle East Expert, Rawya Catto is not merely a manager; she is a curator of olfactory experiences, crafting scents that tell stories and evoke emotions. Her dedication to the industry, combined with her business acumen, has earned her a well-deserved place at the forefront of the fragrance industry.
In this scented world where innovation and tradition meet, Rawya aims to shape the future of perfumery in the heart of the region.
Rebecca Kirchmeier
Perfumer, Dullberg Konzentra GmbH & Co KG
Rebecca Kirchmeier is a trained Food Chemist and Perfumer with a diverse background in flavour and fragrance creation. After completing her state examination in food chemistry at the Technical University of Munich, she began her career as a Flavourist at Flavologic. Rebecca went on to earn a Master’s degree in Scent Design and Creation from ISIPCA in Versailles, France.
Her international journey has taken her to Paris, Hamburg, and the Netherlands, where she gained hands-on experience as a Perfumer Trainee and Associate Flavourist at IFF. In 2023, she joined Düllberg Konzentra, where she contributes her perfumery expertise to the development of innovative and unique fragrances.
Rocco Capua
Co-CEO, Capua
Rocco Capua was born in Reggio Calabria on February 12, 1988. From an early age, he was immersed in the world of the family business, inspired by the example and passion of his father Gianfranco, who passed on a deep love for the citrus industry, natural extracts, and a profession built on vision, dedication, and craftsmanship.
Together with his brother Giandomenico, Rocco now serves as co-CEO of Capua 1880, one of Italy’s most historic and prestigious companies specializing in citrus processing and the production of natural essential oils and extracts for the global food, cosmetics, and fragrance industries.
The Capua brothers represent the new generation of leadership, blending respect for the company’s legacy with a forward-thinking approach focused on innovation, sustainability, and international growth.
Determined, pragmatic, and future-oriented, Rocco—alongside Giandomenico—continues to lead Capua 1880 with the mission of reinforcing its position as a benchmark of excellence worldwide, while proudly honoring the company’s deep Calabrian roots.
Roja Dove
Global Ambassador GREAT Britain Campaign
Often described as a “master tailor of scent,” Roja Dove is one of the world’s leading figures in luxury perfumery. He began his journey at a prestigious perfume house, where he mastered the art of fragrance creation and developed a widely adopted industry training program.
In 2001, Roja launched his own company, culminating in Roja Dove Haute Parfumerie at Harrods, a concept that redefined luxury fragrance retail. His brand, Roja London, became Harrods’ most successful fragrance launch to date and helped spark the global trend of haute parfumerie.
Honoured with Walpole’s Game Changer Award in 2020, Roja has collaborated with iconic luxury brands including Rolls-Royce, Fabergé, and The Macallan, earning international acclaim for his innovation and influence in fine fragrance.
Sadaf Shaikh
Head of Department Retail Education, Artistry, Service Innovation, CX Excellence & Strategy, Tira
Dr. Sadaf Shaikh is a globally accredited beauty educator and learning strategist with over 15 years of experience across the UK, Middle East, and India. A certified doctor in cosmetology and alternative medicine, she has led transformative education journeys for leading global brands, including Estée Lauder, NARS, and Make Up For Ever. Currently heading education across Tira, Kiko Milano, and FaceGym in India, she is recognized for building award-winning learning ecosystems that elevate retail artistry, customer experience, and emotional intelligence. Her specializations span luxury beauty retail, global training standards, and human-centric learning design. As a sought-after speaker and thought leader, she brings a compelling voice to the evolving intersection of beauty, education, and innovation—shaping the next generation of beauty professionals through storytelling, strategy, and soul.
Sonia Leretz
Co-founder & Managing Partner, Revalue
Sonia is a founding Partner of Revalue, and former Senior Manager of Havas Middle East. She conceived branding & PR strategies and operations for leading distributors such as Al Tayer Group, Chalhoub Group, Al Malki Group; and organized notable campaigns for Bloomingdale’s, Sephora and Harvey Nichols.
Over the years, she has established over 60 International brands such as Peugeot, L’Occitane, Shiseido, La Prairie, La Perla, Chaumet, Saks Fifth Avenue, Ralph Lauren, Level Shoe, Vilebrequin, Lacoste, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Officine Universelle Buly, Byredo, Diptyque, Matiere Premiere and Mind Games to name but a few.
Pioneer in the industry by having created the new PR model in the GCC which has enabled brands to gain market share and become market leaders.
Stefanie Foissey
Artistic Director- Interior Designer, Centdegres
Stefanie Foissey brings over 10 years of experience in retail architecture across the UAE and the Middle East. With a solid foundation rooted in Paris, Stefanie combines European design sensibilities with deep regional market knowledge to create innovative and engaging retail environments. Her expertise spans concept development, spatial planning, and delivering tailor-made architectural solutions that enhance brand identity and customer experience. Stefanie is passionate about blending functionality with aesthetic appeal to transform retail spaces into dynamic destinations.
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.
Valerie Lovisa
Sustainability - Lecturer, Moderator, Consultant, B Leader , ABTYS - Consulting in Fragrance & Cosmetics
Valerie Lovisa specializes in embedding sustainability into the fragrance and cosmetics industry. A pharmacist by training, Valerie also holds a master's degree in fragrance and cosmetics from the prestigious ISIPCA school and a Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Business from the University of Cambridge.
With over 15 years of experience, including significant exposure to emerging markets, she founded ABTYS in 2019; a purpose-driven consultancy dedicated to leveraging sustainability as a catalyst for change and growth within the industry.
Beyond her consultancy work, Valerie is committed to education and industry collaboration. She actively contributes to the ISIPCA school in France, working to enhance sustainability education and its impact on future industry leaders.
She contributes to the industry’s transformation through:
Supporting IFRA, notably in co-organizing the Global Fragrance Summit
Curating and moderating expert discussions with the Beautyworld organization
Promoting the adoption of AI and LCA as tools for sustainable innovation
Writing for Premium Beauty News, sharing forward-looking insights on regulation, innovation, and best practices in fragrance.
Veronique Gabai
Founder & CEO, Veronique Gabai Luxury Products
Veronique Gabai-Pinsky is a prominent leader and brand builder in the fragrance industry, known for combining creative vision with strategic expertise. With deep knowledge of global markets and evolving business models, she launched her luxury brand, VERONIQUE GABAI, in 2019. The brand, which focuses on fragrances, bridges luxury, wellness and sustainability, sells directly to consumers and through top-tier retailers like Bergdorf Goodman, Printemps and Harrods.
Gabai-Pinsky holds board positions at Interparfums, Lifetime Brands (where she chairs the ESG Committee), and Parfums de Marly. She also consults across the beauty and luxury sectors and recently launched a fragrance line for the Princess Grace Foundation.
Previously, she was President of the Vera Wang Group, where she expanded international operations, grew licensing and high-profile jewelry collaborations. Before that, she spent 13 years at The Estée Lauder Companies, where she was Global President of its fragrance division. There, she led major brand launches (e.g., DKNY Be Delicious), global expansions, and key acquisitions like Le Labo, Frédéric Malle, and By Kilian—strengthening Estée Lauder’s position in niche fragrances.
Her earlier roles included senior positions at Symrise, Guerlain (LVMH), SELECT Communications, and L'Oréal, where she launched Acqua di Giò for Giorgio Armani Profumi.
An ESSEC Business School alumna, she speaks several languages and is active in organizations like The Fragrance Foundation and Cosmetic Executive Women. Her many awards include CEW 2009 Achiever of the Year, WWD 2013 Marketer of the year, and the Fragrance Foundation’s 2025 Indie Fragrance of the Year.
Virginie Gervason
Founder & CEO, Founder & CEO, Resperfuma
Virginie is the founder and CEO of Resperfuma, a marketing, communication, and events agency dedicated to the metiers of perfumery, she launched in 2021.
An engineer by training, she spent over 10 years leading globally marketing development and communication for perfumery ingredients – both naturals and molecules - at one of the world's leading fragrance houses.
Her expertise? A deep knowledge of the perfumery industry’s “behind the scenes” and a sharp understanding of its challenges.
Her passion? Beauty and Savoir-faire, the science of marketing… and Resperfuma – created to support industry players, from ingredient producers to brands, with tailored strategies: brand platforms, storytelling, art direction, graphic design, photo and video, immersive experiences, events, and responsible communication.
From raw materials to emotion, Resperfuma shines a light on what makes fragrance so rich and unique.