Marianne Mahieu

Manager R&D Formulation Beverages @Innovation&SustainableGrowth - Spadel

Liège, Walloon Region, Belgium

About

I am an Innovation and R&D professional with extensive experience in the FMCG sector, leading the development and implementation of consumer-centric products from concept to commercialization. Skilled at connecting emerging trends and leveraging technology, I have a good and natural ability to create innovative solutions that deliver business value and consumer relevance. Recognized for leading R&D teams in project execution, I like to share expertise and to coach people in solving technical challenges. Besides to this, as a biochemistry engineer, I am passionate about natural ingredients, nutrition and health-focused product development. Combining creativity with a pragmatic solution-oriented mindset, I like collaborative environments where innovation, teamwork and continuous improvement are key drivers of success.

Experience

  • Spadel (23 yrs 6 mos)
    • GROUP R&D MANAGER FORMULATION
      Jan 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 6 mos

    • I&SG NEW BEVERAGES MANAGER
      Dec 2010 - Dec 2022 · 12 yrs 1 mo

      - Development of the flavoured waters ranges, becoming since 2013 a major growth pillar within the Spadel beverages portfolio. - Leading of the technical project team dedicated to moving all lemonades to 100% ingredients from natural origin. - Validation and implementation of anAseptic filling line (2014-2017), in collaboration with Industrialisation and Quality Departments

    • NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER - Part of the MARKETING organisation
      Jan 2008 - Dec 2010 · 3 yrs

      - Elaboration and implementation of the first structured Innovation Process within the Company - Organization and coordination of the Innovation Steering Committee, reporting to internal Stakeholders - Development of tools for promoting and collecting internal innovation ideas from 4 production sites and 2 office locations, organization of 'Innovation days' with suppliers, trends analysis

  • Innovation - Research Scientist at Colgate-Palmolive
    2002 - 2002 · Less than a year

    • Translation of technical leads into concrete products fitting with the market needs • Identification of 'sensorial signals' used in cosmetic and applicable to cleaning products to create new 'emotional experiences' for consumers

  • Fundamental Research - Research Scientist at Colgate-Palmolive
    1999 - 2001 · 2 yrs

    • Development of cleaning products with long lasting antimicrobial properties, evaluation of different molecules and polymers, documentation dossiers. US Patents : 6465412, 6596681, 6475976, 10224692 • Optimisation of actives deposition from toothpastes, study of the polymer-surfactants interactions, notions of rheology • Screening of fragrances raw materials for their acaricidal properties and development of a range of cleaning products with anti Dust mites properties. US Patents : 5719114, 5905066, 5948743, 5985814, 11123997 • Collaboration with Universities ULG, Paris, Eindhoven, for specific fundamental researches

  • Product Development - Research Scientist at Colgate-Palmolive
    1992 - 1998 · 6 yrs

    • Development of new cleaning products for hard surfaces, mainly microemulsions, AJAX brand • Optimisation and cost reduction initiatives • Plant trials • Qualitative consumer tests and focus groups • Creation of visual demonstrations with high impact for advertising agencies • US Patent 5415813, 5486307, 10688634 - cleaning compositions • US Patent 5726145 - color/perfume concentrates

  • Analytical Department - Lab. Technician at Colgate-Palmolive
    1990 - 1991 · 1 yr

    Analysis of toothpastes by HPLC - Ionic and Reverse Phase - and setting up of new methodologies