Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
I am an experienced FMCG R&D Leader, with extensive experience across the conventional tobacco and tobacco alternative (e-cigarette and cannabinoids) industry. A life-long learner with a passion for building and leading dynamic high performing teams tasked with R&D, project management, marketing, supply chain and manufacturing and go-to-market strategies. I have worked across global organizations with multi-functional senior teams to deliver new and innovative products in to heavily regulated markets.
Leading the implementation and refinement of the JTI RRP Regulatory Science Strategy and managing the Ploom X heated tobacco products Program through the collaboration with Altria. Accountable for the continuous review of the evolving global RRP regulatory landscape and trends for JTI, providing timely solutions to factors that may impact or change the direction of the Global RE/RR Claims Substantiation Testing initiatives. Working directly with Altria Client Services and numerous cross-functional JTI colleagues to ensure there is a consistent technical and regulatory approach across internal and external stakeholders. Accountable for driving development and execution of PMTA and MRTP studies and activities: behavioral. Non-Clinical and Human Investigations.
Responsible for developing methods for product statements, preparing RRP advocacy documents and providing SRA support to JTI science communications. SRA single point of contact and member of numerous Global cross-functional teams. JTI representative in developing company position across the RRP space in translation/defense against global regulatory requirements Key contributor in assessing the US RRP market space and preparing recommendations to Company Directors (i) review and summarization of competitor R&D landscape and publicly available PMTA and MRTPA (RE and RR) literature; (ii) preparation of detailed timelines and costings for executing a potential PMTA and MRTP RE application and potential FTE requirements ; (iii) analyses of the US FDA ENDS MRTP RE landscape; (iv) development of a PMTA testing and budget plan for an ENDS product Led the review of PMTA and MRTP RE requirements and the development of a testing plan for the heated tobacco product Ploom X Developed plans, budgets, timelines and program documentation for JTI’s Global RE/RR Science Program
A business consultancy dedicated to providing scientific solutions and project management for scientists and companies in the tobacco and e-cigarettes industries. I work with companies to provide international program and project management, governance management and competitive intelligence. Key accomplishments: Developed and executed an exclusive agreement to distribute Innokin Electronic Devices into Holland and forecasted a revenue of $1M per year. Currently distributing to over 1,000 Vape stores Dig Worldwide: Developed key intel and strategic direction in the tobacco and next generation products space Huabao International Holdings Ltd (Shanghai, China): Developed the international strategy on flavour enhancement capabilities for tobacco and tobacco alternatives Kamphuis Lux & Tabak BV (Netherlands): Devised regulatory and product management roadmap to distribute vapour products in compliance to EUTPD2 requirements into Holland. Researched manufacturers and provided the company a competitive edge by building their brand and technology across multiple channels ShenZhen Innokin Technology (Shenzhen, China): Developed and executed a business implementation plan to distribute Electronic Devices into Holland and forecasted a revenue of $1M per year. Currently distributing to over 1,000 Vape stores Principal Industry Consultant: Provided expertise and insights a wide range of industry leading and emerging companies including Vape Dinner Lady, Molex LLC, Warburg Pincus LLC, ThirdBridge LLC, Guidepoint LLC, AlphaSights LLC, Coleman Research LLC, GLG Research LLC, L.E.K. Consulting LLC, Harmony. Molex LLC (Chicago, USA): Instrumental in gaining insights on the tobacco and OEM tobacco alternative space. Introduced Molex LLC to Japan Tobacco International. Vapouriz Group, Director of Products and Technical Services (Surrey, UK) Built and managed the Project Management Office and ensured best practices in portfolio governance and business implementation procedures.
In this role I led EUTPD2 regulatory compliance activities for the VIP device, e-liquid and consumables portfolio. I managed packaging, labelling, emissions testing, and nicotine level testing processes and served as a key contributor to the IBVTA Science and Regulatory Compliance Committee and served as Lead Scientist. •I spearheaded workflow and project plans with all stakeholders and developed road maps for risk management, project updates and communications across all departments. •Led the management of external vendors and suppliers including Chinese manufacturers (China First Union, LRider, ShenZhen Innokin Technology, Kimsun and SMOK). Ensured relationships with e-liquid manufacturers such as Cuts Ice, Lonjas, Dinner Lady and Vampire Vape. •Introduced initiatives that led to a forecasted increase of revenues of +£2million in 2017 •I launched the VIP MINI in 2016.
I was recruited to create and execute a global collaborative program that included 27 projects around the world valued at £18M for BAT’s Global Toxicants Management Strategy in agronomy, leaf processing, blending, product manufacturing, product development/maintenance and R&D. I ensured compliance with EUTPD2, FCTC and the FDA. Some key accomplishments in this role include: •Spearheading an improved research portfolio framework, a 4D Target Operating Model, for tobacco, e-cigarettes and tobacco heating products. •I established processes for assessing, launching and tracking toxicant management technologies for carbon, low toxicant leafs and reduced toxicant seeds in cigarettes. •I ensured compliance readiness by leading change management in product development, leaf, blending complexity reduction, manufacturing, and regulatory affairs. •I served as Chair of the global Product Process Technology Team tasked with standardizing global processing practices across analytical testing services, agronomy leaf processing, blending and cigarette manufacturing. In addition, I was a key participant in the BAT Global Toxicants Management Strategy Committee to create global standards for tobacco and tobacco products. •I managed the rollout of the low converter NNN seed project globally.
I was promoted to the role to oversee global cross-functional project teams charged with completing a five-year global transformation portfolio of 35 projects with a combined annual spend of £16M. I created scientific and technical packages for the testing of tobacco and tobacco products. Ensured readiness and compliance with future regulations. I mentored and coached a global team of Senior and Junior Project Managers and Scientists with a combined FTE of 110. •I created innovative, emerging technologies in the areas of tobacco curing, fermentation, process technologies and biotechnology solutions to manage smoke toxicant chemistries and mitigated business risk and established IP strategies. •I developed and rolled out the global policy on the development and application of GMO-derived tobaccos. •I negotiated and executed long-term research agreement with American Universities, CRO’s and SME’s. •I led and delivered the purchase of the company tobacco seed bank from their subsidiary Souza Cruz. Placed it under the control of BAT.
I established the Gene Discovery and Validation Group and managed a £3M budget. I also coached and trained 30 FTE’s and managed reporting of research projects through PRINCE2 and led publication plans for scientific and technical information. I built a pipeline of biotechnology targets to lower smoke toxicants and improve taste in cigarettes and tobacco heating products.
• Assessed the pharmacological potency of novel anti-angiogenic drug candidates