Hill Skaff

Scaling Food Businesses | Product Strategy | Market Access | Export Readiness

Beirut Governorate, Lebanon

About

I help food businesses and agribusiness leaders turn product ideas into market-ready, compliant products and build strategies for local and international market access. With 15+ years in food production and business development, I specialize in bridging product innovation with market entry and growth. From concept and R&D to packaging, labeling, certification, and trade facilitation, I ensure businesses don’t just develop great products — they get them into the right markets. I’ve worked with international agencies like USAID and UNDP, as well as private-sector partners across Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia, Afghanistan, Dubai, Tajikistan, Lebanon, and the U.S. My contributions have included: Product Development: guiding SMEs through ideation, packaging, food safety compliance, and product launches. Market Access: enabling exports, leading trade-show participation, and unlocking partnerships across MENA and beyond. Business Growth: aligning process optimization, compliance, and strategy to scale sustainably. What sets me apart is my ability to connect technical precision (food safety, labeling, R&D) with market strategy (distribution, consumer demand, and global trade dynamics). If you’re looking to: Launch or refine food products that meet international standards Expand your agribusiness into new regional or global markets Build partnerships that drive export growth … let’s connect. .

Experience

  • Chief Executive Officer at legato sarl
    Oct 2024 - Present · 1 yr 9 mos

    With over 15 years of experience, Hill is a recognized leader in strategic consulting, known for driving business growth through innovative solutions and operational improvements. She has worked with organizations like USAID and UNDP, blending private sector insight with international development expertise, making her a trusted advisor for businesses seeking transformative success.

  • Lecturer at Lebanese American University
    May 2020 - Present · 6 yrs 2 mos

  • Agro food and Business Development Consultant at Free lance
    Jan 2019 - Present · 7 yrs 6 mos

    - Proficient in supply chain management, product development, and productivity enhancement for processed, non-processed, and industrial exports. - Demonstrated success in expanding product lines and opening new market channels, facilitating the import of 40 Lebanese products into the US market from 2019 to 2021. - Sustainably support multiple Agri-food businesses in the development of innovative products tailored for the US, Europe, and GCC markets, while fostering crucial connections with importers and distributors. - Actively engage in core business development activities, including ongoing communication with clients and competitors to gain a comprehensive understanding of industry trends. - Continuously seek out fresh market insights and business opportunities through rigorous research and in-depth analysis. - Provide expert technical support in process optimization, product development, food safety, and label compliance. - Deliver comprehensive training programs covering various topics, such as food safety systems, label compliance, marketing materials, export requirements, and market research, within the MENA region.

  • 2020 DC Resident entrepreneur at 2020 Development Company
    Jan 2019 - Present · 7 yrs 6 mos

    I am an accomplished Food Production and Business Development professional, and a resident entrepreneur of 20/20DC Lebanon, boasting over 15 years of distinguished experience encompassing both enduring roles and transient consultative engagements. My career narrative is defined by six years of progressively advanced leadership roles, wherein I orchestrated and executed development projects, collaborating closely with food exporters and processors in diverse regions such as Lebanon, Central Asia, Afghanistan, Tunisia, and Egypt. Throughout my journey, I have been unwavering in providing direct technical guidance and support to value chain stakeholders, facilitating their advancement and the seamless implementation of initiatives. My unwavering commitment has ensured that all endeavors align precisely with their designated targets, underpinning my reputation as a consummate professional with a proven track record of delivering exceptional results in the field of food production and business development.

  • Head dietician at The hills clinics
    Feb 2006 - Jun 2024 · 18 yrs 5 mos

    - Evaluate the nutritional status of patients. - Provide dietetic guidance and ongoing support to patients with a wide range of medical conditions, including gastrointestinal (GI) issues, renal problems, hemodialysis, obesity, and those undergoing bariatric surgeries. - Educate and raise awareness among patients regarding their nutritional needs and dietary choices. - Customize nutrition plans to address the specific requirements of individual patients across diverse medical cases.