Aaron Chatterley – Founder, Feelunique & indu
Career Summary
Aaron co-founded the groundbreaking Beauty retailer, Feelunique in 2005. He built the business up to a turnover of over £100m, supplying more than 900 brands to over 100 countries before selling the business to LVMH/Sephora in late 2021. He has been an active investor and advisor to numerous beauty and tech brands. He now sits on the board of Nasdaq-listed Waldencast and is now co-founding a new teen beauty brand, indu.
Skills & Strengths
Growth strategy, E-commerce, Beauty Retail, Networking, strategy, fundraising
LinkedIn profile HERE
Anna Teal – CEO of Grown Alchemist
Career Summary
Anna Teal is a beauty and wellness leader with nearly 30 years of experience across brand, retail, and business development. Her career began with 12 years at Boots UK, progressing through key category roles before moving into global brand creation at Walgreens Boots Alliance. There, she led new proposition development, M&A, and strategic advisory work. She went on to serve as CEO of Aromatherapy Associates for five years and now holds the position of CEO at Grown Alchemist, as well as Chair of the Board at Lustre Clear Skin. Anna is recognised for her ability to scale businesses through strategic clarity, brand focus, and commercial execution.
Skills & Strengths
Strategy. Leadership & Team Building. Brand Positioning. Commercial Growth. Business Development. M&A Advisory. New Product Development. Negotiation. Retail & Brand Expansion.
LinkedIn profile HERE
Aimee Connolly – CEO and Founder of Sculpted By Aimee
Career Summary
I started in beauty working as a part-time makeup artist with Urban Decay and MAC Cosmetics and then studied Business & French as a bachelor degree. I graduated from University with first-class honours in business and French and decided to go straight into launching my own brand and working for myself. I launched Sculpted by Aimee back in 2016 on my own, with my own investment and since then have grown it to a team of 90 people, we’re stocked across 500 stores, in 3 markets and have grown 100% year on year.
Skills & Strengths
Being a leader, brand / marketing, product, communication, project management, self funding, female empowerment.
LinkedIn Profile HERE
Ajay Sethi – Managing Director, Tweezerman UK Ltd (Beauty Tools and Accessories)
Career Summary
Tweezerman is a massive Global brand, sold in 67 countries and adored by celebrities from Vicki McClure to Margot Robbie and Hailey Bieber. Ajay is the managing director of Tweezerman UK, a brand he has been passionate about for many years, and since 2018, he has owned rights in the UK. Proudly based in Nottingham, the brand sells over 11,500 units daily, with an annual £8m turnover, and employs 20 staff. Ajay is passionate about his team and building strong supplier relationships; Tweezerman UK ensures that social accountability is at the heart of everything that they do, from adherence to 13 human rights principles around the globe from suppliers to supporting vocational projects and charities closer to home.
Skills & Strengths
Retail. Sales and Marketing. Social Impact. Brand Building. Growth strategy. E-commerce, Strategy
LinkedIn Profile HERE
Ateh Jewel – Broadcaster, Journalist and Beauty Founder
Career Summary
Dr. Ateh Jewel, Hon D, is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster, and beauty entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience redefining the beauty industry through advocacy, education, and innovation. As founder of Ateh Jewel Beauty, she has built a pioneering, inclusive brand focused on luxury products for all skin tones. A respected columnist for Marie Claire and Hello Magazine, and a familiar face on This Morning, GMB, and Netflix’s Glow Up, Ateh is celebrated for her work championing diversity. She is a CEW Board Member, British Beauty Council Ambassador, and recipient of the CEW Achievement Award.
Skills & Strengths
Presenting. Journalism. Broadcasting. Brand Founder. Beauty Industry Expertise. Diversity Advocacy. Public Speaking. Media & Cultural Commentary.
LinkedIn Profile HERE
Alexander Johnston – General Manager, Head of PR, Marketing and Brand, John Bell & Croyden
Career Summary
7 years at JB&C, previously Head of Retail for Royal Caribbean Cruises, Head of Sales for the Jockey Club. Previous to this, Alexander has held various roles in FMCG and luxury lifestyle brands.
Skills & Strengths
Brand development, PR, marketing, media relations, strategic planning, business development, management and leadership, profit planning, market insight, customer
LinkedIn Profile HERE
Antonia Burrell – Founder and CEO of ASTA (All Skin Tones Accredited)
Career Summary
Antonia Burrell is the Founder & CEO of Antonia Burrell Global Skincare and the creator of ASTA™ (All Skin Tones Accredited), with over 30 years of experience as a skincare innovator, formulator, and educator. Antonia is also a published author, international speaker, and university lecturer dedicated to making beauty truly inclusive.
Skills & Strengths
Skincare Innovation, Brand Development, Inclusive Education, Retail Strategy, Marketing, Holistic Health, Product Formulation.
LinkedIn Profile HERE
Alice Rafferty – Director of Luxury Beauty & Cosmetics at Boots UK
Career Summary
I have worked for 13 years at Boots, joining on the graduate scheme and working my way up to Director over that time. 12 of those years have been spent in Beauty and in a combination of Buying and Digital roles.
Skills & Strengths
My strengths primarily sit in relationship building, brand building and pushing a category to work in a different way to drive sales.
LinkedIn Profile HERE
Alexandra Douard – Vice President PUIG UK & IRELAND
Career Summary
Alexandra Doudard is a strategic and performance-driven leader with 17 years proven track record in the Luxury Industry. Graduated with Very High Honours from HEC Business School in France, #1 Business School in Europe, as well as from ENSAT with an Engineer Degree, Alexandra is also an Oenologist. In 2008 she joined the Wines & Spirits division of LVMH for 10 years, covering different responsibilities in Sales and Marketing, across different regions: Europe, APAC, Canada. Her last role for LVMH was Marketing & Communication Director for MOET HENNESSY DIAGEO K.K. in Japan.
She then moved to Cartier as Marketing & Communication Director for South-East Asia and Oceania, based in Singapore, before joining Chanel Beauty in 2019 as Head of Marketing, Communication, e-business & CRM for APAC. In 2021, Alexandra came back to Europe to become the General Manager of the luxury skincare brand La Prairie in charge of the UK & IRELAND affiliate.
After achieving the #1 Skincare position in value market share for La Prairie UK Store Group in 2023, she decided to join PUIG early 2024 as VP UK & IRELAND. She is now managing the PUIG House of Love Brands for UK & Ireland, an exceptional portfolio of brands generating emotional engagement through great storytelling, reinforced by a powerful ecosystem of Founders across the 3 Beauty axis.
LinkedIn profile HERE
Aviva Fernandes – Snr Director International Image Skincare
Career Summary
Aviva’s career in marketing has spanned over 15 years. She has worked across all categories in brand, retail and professional in mass, premium and luxury beauty. Aviva was part of the corporate PR teams at Boots Walgreens, internationalising the brands globally, and delivered large-scale marketing campaigns for the Shiseido group in the UK.
Skills & Strengths
Three C’s -Collaboration, Creativity and Commerciality! Being a good marketeer requires a great deal of creative thinking, but being a brilliant marketeer requires creative and commercial application. Aviva’s key skills are across large-scale P&L management, strategic marketing expansion internationally, developing meaningful insights from customer data, recruiting and building agencies plus internal teams and driving big awareness and conversion campaigns.
LinkedIn profile HERE
Camilla Craven – FCMO marketing Consultant
Career Summary
Camilla is a highly experienced Brand Marketing and Communications consultant with over 15 years in the beauty and wellness space. She has worked across more than 60 brands in 20 countries – from pre-seed startups to unicorns and global household names – both in-house (Charlotte Tilbury, FaceGym, Benefit) and agency-side. Now operating independently, she partners with founder-led and community – centric brands to drive awareness and growth through innovative, earned-first strategies, regardless of budget or team size. She is also the founder of The Brand + Marketing Collective and an active mentor, speaker, and awards judge.
Skills & Strengths
Brand Marketing. Community Building. International Expansion. Social-First Strategy. Founder & Influencer-Led Growth. Strategic Planning. Team Leadership. Lean Budget Marketing. Partnerships & Advocacy. Agency & Retailer Introductions.
LinkedIn profile HERE
Chelsey Saunders – Beauty Director, Fragrance Skincare & Haircare Boots UK
Career Summary
Chelsey Saunders is Beauty Director for Fragrance, Skincare & Haircare at Boots UK, with 17 years of experience in the beauty industry. She has built her career within the trading function, leading key beauty categories and playing a pivotal role in driving revenue through strategic planning, market insight, and commercial alignment.
Skills & Strengths
Commercial Strategy. Team Leadership. P&L Management. Stakeholder Influence. Market & Customer Insight. Brand Building. Collaboration. Communication.
LinkedIn Profile HERE
Charlotte Nicholson – Head of Marketing – Fragrance and Beauty (UK, Canada, South Africa) at CHANEL
Career Summary
Charlotte Nicholson is Head of Marketing for Fragrance and Beauty (UK, Canada, South Africa) at CHANEL, with over 15 years of experience leading brand and consumer marketing across the luxury and beauty sectors. She spent over a decade at Jo Malone London in senior marketing roles, ultimately serving on the leadership team as Consumer Engagement & Marketing Director. Charlotte has also held the position of Global Marketing & Brand Director at OKA, where she helped shape and elevate brand identity across all touchpoints.
Skills & Strengths
Luxury Brand Marketing, Consumer Engagement, 360° Campaign Strategy, Brand Positioning, Team Leadership, Retail & Digital Marketing, CRM, Events & Activations, Visual & Verbal Identity, Global Market Management.
LinkedIn Profile HERE
Catherine Bossom – Founder of Yellow Flamingo
Career Summary
Catherine Bossom is a highly respected and sought-after independent consultant with over 20 years of experience in the luxury beauty and retail industry. Catherine’s experience touches some of the world’s best-known luxury brands, including Harrods, Selfridges, Space NK and YSL Beauté, where she has held various commercial and merchandising roles.
Skills & Strengths
Catherine is a strategic thinker with extensive experience in sales, buying, marketing and PR with renowned brands in the luxury retail sector. Entrepreneurial and highly efficient with a proven track record of delivering strategy and business growth, she is an ambitious, passionate and energetic leader with an exceptional network of relationships throughout the beauty industry. Working independently for both brands and retailers, making impartial decisions for the benefit of the business. Strategic thinking, business development, creation of brand presentations, customer experience journeys, retailer insights, and brand development with the customer at the heart of every decision.
LinkedIn Profile HERE
Celine Basanisi Gilg – Consultant
Career Summary
Celine began her enviable career in beauty at L’Oreal, then joining The Estee Lauder Companies Inc as Marketing Director for Estee Lauder, Tom Ford Beauty and Aerin, then General Manager and finally VP General Manager, adding Frederic Male and Le Labo to her repertoire. After five years at PUIG UK and Ireland as Managing Director, Celine moved to HEARST to head up a new division as Managing Director Luxury, home and Women’s Lifestyle. Now the founder of CBG Consulting & Advisory, Celine partners with businesses across luxury, prestige and masstige fragrance and beauty. Celine has been a proud CEW UK board member since 2008 and was a recipient of CEW’s Achiever Award in 2014.
.Skills & Strengths
Networking, Customer Insight, International Marketing, Brand Management and Development, Digital Marketing, Marketing Management, P+L, Wholesale and Retail, Business Scaling.
LinkedIn Profile HERE
Claire Aggarwal – Chief Operating Officer, Renew Beauty
Career Summary
Founder of Perfect 10 – the mobile beauty company for VIPs and HNW. Grew the business from one client to 5,000. Learnt how to boot strap effectively and efficiently to promote the brand and scale quickly. Offered the best services with unrivalled consistency. Sold Perfect 10 (when it was a team of 25). Now COO of RE:NEW Beauty who distribute Bio Sculpture and Elim. 100% of product sales online (B2B). Recent interesting projects include – a pop up salon for Anya Hindmarch, Vogue 5 Days of Beauty, launch of Bio Sculpture at Gleneagles and Bamford.
Skills & Strengths
Growth, client acquisition and retention, partnerships. Creative but always remaining commercial. Strategy, business development and growth. Client acquisition and retention. Social and digital marketing, influencing, partnerships and sales. Leadership.
LinkedIn Profile HERE
Clare Horner
Career Summary
Director-level multi-skilled professional in the premium beauty market with experience in Sales, Buying, Marketing, Merchandising and Operations.
Knowledge of working brand-side and understanding requirements to sell into retail and knowledge of working in retail and observing how different brands operate. Experienced in understanding what makes brands stand out.
Skills & Strengths
Business development, Launch planning, Distribution recommendations, Presentation reviews, Industry contacts.
LinkedIn Profile HERE
Colette Laxton – Co-Founder, The Inkey List
Career Summary
Ex Boots buying and brand, start-up COO and start-up founder.
Consumer obsessed – all things brand, marketing and creative thinking.
Built and led a team of 140 people, CEO driving business, and led entire CMO function
Skills & Strengths
Entrepreneur, Brand Builder, Growth Strategy, E-commerce, Beauty Retail, Strategy, Leadership.
LinkedIn Profile HERE
Dianna Tieu – Managing Director UK & Ireland at L’Occitane Group
Career Summary
Dianna is the Managing Director of L’Occitane UK & Ireland and has previously led La Mer and Darphin UK & Ireland as Vice President/General Manager and Natura Bisse as General Manager for China, Hong Kong and Singapore. Dianna’s background is Marketing and in has led Marketing for Harrods Beauty, Estee Lauder and Jo Malone London Asia Pacific. She is proud to be British Born Chinese and Vietnamese and a mother of two young children. She is a CEW Board Member, a member of the British Beauty Council DE&I Committee and an Advisory Board Member of 100 Allies.
Skills & Strengths
Brand Management, Luxury Beauty, Leadership and Marketing
LinkedIn Profile HERE
Emma Bunyard – Managing Director, Gisou
Career Summary
Emma is an accomplished beauty and FMCG leader with over 20 years of experience driving brand and commercial growth across global markets. From early brand roles at GSK and innocent to senior leadership at Charlotte Tilbury and now as MD International at Gisou, she blends strategic thinking with deep commercial acumen. Known for building high-performing teams and navigating international expansion, Emma brings a balance of creative flair and FMCG discipline to fast-growth, product-led brands.
Skills & Strengths
Strategic Leadership. International Expansion. P&L & Commercial Strategy. Team Building. Retail & Channel Growth. Beauty & FMCG Expertise. Cross-Functional Collaboration. Stakeholder Influence.
LinkedIn Profile HERE
Fernando Osuna Cárdenas – Marketing Director of Puig
Career Summary
Executive marketeer with a solid track record among global beauty and luxury players leading sustainable growth strategies to secure business and branding goals within different B2B/B2C/D2C models.
Skills & Strengths
Data-driven yet creative mindset, passionate about building and growing brands from consumer insights and key indicators, securing winning 360 ‘go to markets’ and developing high performing teams to secure results delivery
LinkedIn Profile HERE
Georgina Dawson – Brand Consultant
Career Summary
Georgina Dawson is a seasoned brand builder and communications expert with over 17 years of experience working with global powerhouses including Estée Lauder Companies, P&G Beauty, and Pfizer. Now operating as a Brand Consultant and Fractional CMO, she supports startups, SMEs, and corporates in scaling and elevating their brands across all touchpoints.
Skills & Strengths
Marcomms Strategy, Global Communications, Brand Strategy & Workshops, Creative Direction, Influencer & VIP Programming, Trend & Insight Reporting, Retail Strategy, Branding & Guidelines.
LinkedIn Profile HERE
Heidi Bannister – Founder & MD, Arthur Edward
Career Summary
Heidi Bannister is the Founder & MD of Arthur Edward, a recruitment and executive search business specialising in the Cosmetic, Perfumery and Personal Care Industries and celebrating its 20th year this year.
Skills & Strengths
Networking and influencing. Heidi is a great Listener and leader who brings out the best in others. General business, sales, NPD, supply chain, creative, and innovation.
LinkedIn Profile HERE
Huw Govier, Category Leader – Amazon Premium Beauty & Professional Haircare Europe
Career Summary
Huw began his career at Procter & Gamble within P&G Prestige, managing global brands including Gucci, HUGO BOSS, and Dolce & Gabbana. He then joined COTY before becoming General Manager for Skincare and Fragrance at Shiseido UK, overseeing brands such as Issey Miyake, Narciso Rodriguez, and Clé de Peau Beauté. For the past six years, Huw has been at Amazon, where he helped shape the UK beauty proposition and now leads Premium Beauty & Professional Haircare across Europe.
Skills & Strengths
E-commerce, General Management, Commercial Strategy, Premium Beauty, Business Development.
LinkedIn Profile HERE
Imogen Porter – Head of Beauty Buying at Harrods
Career Summary
Imogen Porter is the Head of Beauty Buying at Harrods, with a 15-year career at the iconic retailer. Beginning in Fashion, she worked across several buyerships and launched the Fashion Lab department in 2013. In 2018, she transitioned to Beauty as Skincare Buyer before being promoted to Buying Manager in 2021. Imogen now oversees both product and service across all Harrods beauty channels – including Harrods.com and the five H Beauty stores – leading strategic brand partnerships and shaping the world-class beauty portfolio the business is known for today.
Skills & Strengths
Beauty Buying, Strategic Brand Partnerships, Luxury Retail, Category Management, Product & Service Development, Omnichannel Strategy, Leadership.
LinkedIn Profile HERE
Isabel Malbois – Chief Executive Officer, NEOM Wellbeing
Career Summary
Isabel Malbois is Chief Executive Officer at NEOM Wellbeing, with over 20 years of leadership experience in the beauty and wellness industry across both the UK and US. Her career spans global corporations such as L’Oréal, where she held senior positions including General Manager of Giorgio Armani UK & Ireland and President of Urban Decay USA. Isabel brings a blend of commercial acumen, strategic vision, and deep expertise in consumer brands. She is a passionate people leader known for building high-performing, motivated teams united by purpose and growth.
Skills & Strengths
Strategic Leadership. P&L Management. International Marketing. Digital Strategy. Sales & Business Development. Analytical Thinking. Direct Marketing. Team Building & People Development. Brand Growth. Consumer Products. Retail Strategy.
LinkedIn Profile HERE
Lauren Mills – Founder, Bux & Bewl Communications
Career Summary
Lauren is the Founder of Bux + Bewl Communications, previously Senior Account Director at Seen.
Skills & Strengths
Communications outreach planning, founder profiling, global and local strategy planning, influencer marketing tactics, relationship building, brand building tactics, business development. Strategic thinking, business development, global communications planning, networking, relationship building, client relations, team management, budget planning .
LinkedIn Profile HERE
Lorraine Dallmeier – CEO, Formula Botanica
Career Summary
Lorraine Dallmeier is a biologist, Chartered Environmentalist, and multi award-winning digital entrepreneur. She is best known as the CEO of Formula Botanica, the leading online organic formulation school. Since launching her first business in 2010 while on maternity leave, she has grown a bootstrapped startup into a global digital education brand with students in over 190 countries. A respected voice in beauty and sustainability, Lorraine is recognised for her leadership in both digital business and green beauty innovation.
Skills & Strengths
Entrepreneurship. Digital Education. Sustainability. Organic Beauty. Public Speaking. Leadership. Brand Building. Global Business Growth. Environmental Advocacy. Thought Leadership.
LinkedIn Profile HERE
Marcela Selimi – Senior Buyer, John Bell & Croyden
Career Summary
Experienced senior buyer in the beauty industry, specialising in sourcing and procuring cosmetic and skincare products. Demonstrated success in developing supplier relationships, negotiating favourable terms, and ensuring product quality. Proficient in trend analysis and market research to stay abreast of industry developments.
Proven track record of driving cost efficiencies while maintaining high standards of product excellence. Adept at collaborating with internal teams to align procurement strategies with business objectives in the dynamic beauty market.
Skills & Strengths
Negotiation skills, supplier relationship management, market analysis, cost management, strategic procurement, and trend awareness.
LinkedIn Profile HERE
Margaret Mitchell – Chief Commercial Officer, Space NK
Career Summary
I started my career in strategy consulting at Boston Consulting Group for 6.5 years in the Consumer & Retail practice area. After BCG I moved into beauty retail, first at Mecca in Australia, and then Space NK for the past 8 years.
Skills & Strengths
Retail Strategy & Planning – Buying & Merchandising, Business & Customer Analysis, Strategic Planning, Financial Performance Management, Trend Watching, Brand & Product Strategy, Fundraising / Equity Story Development, Team Leadership & Coaching, Organization Development, Inventory Planning and Management; Change Management
LinkedIn Profile HERE
Mary Kate Trevaskis – Co-Founder of The Tape Agency and The Tape Dispenser
Career Summary
Following a degree in Fashion Journalism and work placements in both PR and journalism I worked in both agency and in-house roles in PR before starting my own business with my business partner creating The Tape Agency, a multi-functional PR, Talent Management, Podcast, Events, Social Media Management and Talent Brokering agency.
Skills & Strengths
PR, Communications, Talent Management, Social Media landscape navigation
LinkedIn Profile HERE
Mark Smith – Managing Director of Trinny London
Career Summary
Mark Smith is a seasoned business leader with over two decades of experience in high-growth, consumer-facing environments. After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant with Arthur Andersen in 2000, Mark built his executive career in founder-led, privately owned businesses known for their entrepreneurial energy and rapid scaling. His previous roles include senior leadership positions at Evans Cycles and Pho Restaurants. He is currently the Managing Director at Trinny London, where he plays a pivotal role in driving the brand’s continued growth across retail and eCommerce channels.
Skills & Strengths
Strategy, finance, people leadership, operations and digital commerce
LinkedIn Profile HERE
Natasha Kizzie – Industry Head, Luxury & Beauty, Google
Career Summary
Natasha Kizzie is Industry Head, Luxury & Beauty at Google, with a career spanning brand strategy, integrated marketing, and digital innovation. Known for her values of creativity, integrity, and perseverance, she is a passionate advocate for social mobility—mentoring emerging talent through the Google apprenticeship programme—and serves as a Trustee of the National Literacy Trust.
Skills & Strengths
Brand Strategy, Integrated Marketing, Team Leadership, Digital Content & Customer Experience, Strategic Planning, Branded Entertainment, Business Development, Project Management, Media Spokesperson, Communications Strategy.
LinkedIn Profile HERE
Nick Galloway – Head of Beauty Category, Amazon Ads UK
Career Summary
A media and advertising leader with over 15 years of experience, currently Head of Beauty Category at Amazon Ads UK. Specialising in the Beauty and Consumer Packaged Goods sectors, he develops and leads data-driven advertising strategies for global brands – driving growth through retail media, brand activation, and performance measurement. With a proven track record in team leadership and cross-functional collaboration, he combines commercial acumen with strategic insight to deliver measurable business impact.
Skills & Strengths
Retail & Digital Brand Media. Sales & Revenue Growth. Data-Led Strategy. Marketing & Advertising. Insight & Measurement. Team Leadership. Business Development. Cross-Functional Collaboration. Stakeholder Management. Presentation Development.
LinkedIn Profile HERE
Oriele Frank – Chief Product and Sustainability Officer – Co-Founder, Elemis
Career Summary
As one of the ELEMIS co-founders, Oriele’s professional marketing background and love of science, nature, different cultures, sustainability, CSR and alternative therapies has led to the development of a brand that is always one step-ahead of the industry. Oriele has fast become an industry expert in brand, new product concept, design, packaging and visual merchandising. Always pushing the brand forward and never compromising, from its incredible formulations and award-winning marketing to its luxurious Mayfair flagship, House of ELEMIS. Oriele’s pure determination and commitment to push the boundaries of the ELEMIS brand to be totally unique and innovative has been a driving force for the success of ELEMIS. Today, Oriele is on the Board of Directors at ELEMIS, working on elevating the sustainability and CSR vision for the brand globally. She has been a CEW UK board member since 2021.
Skills & Strengths
Customer Insight, Brand Management and Development, Social Media Marketing, Marketing Communications, Marketing Strategy, Sustainability
LinkedIn Profile HERE
Pippa Harman – CEO, Renude
Career Summary
Pippa is the Co-founder and CEO of Renude, with over 15 years of experience in skincare. A former formulation chemist, she began her career in R&D at Reckitt Benckiser and Boots before joining Beauty Pie as an early team member, leading skincare product development. Driven by years of informal skincare advising, she co-founded Renude to bring AI-powered, personalised skincare recommendations to consumers.
Skills & Strengths
Customer Insight, Brand Management and Development, Social Media Marketing, Marketing Communications, Marketing Strategy, SustainabilitySkincare Formulation. Product Development. Startup Growth. Fundraising & Pitching. Strategy. Leadership. Team Building & Culture. Public Speaking.
LinkedIn Profile HERE
Rachel Leon Wardrop – Brand General Manager NARS UK & Ireland (Shiseido)
Career Summary
Brand and Marketing specialist with 20+ years of experience across multiple brands at The Estée Lauder Companies and LVMH
Skills & Strengths
An energetic and driven General Manager with a proven track record of maximizing growth and building brand equity in the luxury beauty industry. Motivated to drive sustainable, long term, profitable growth whilst respecting brand identity. Excels at developing omnichannel strategies rooted in customer insights and data analysis. Skilled at turning complex challenges into clear, actionable plans. Thrives in fast-paced environments with a challenger mindset and results-driven approach. An engaging and transparent communicator who leads with passion to inspire teams to achieve success.
LinkedIn Profile HERE
Ruby Hammer MBE, Brand Founder and Director of Ruby Hammer Ltd
Career Summary
With over 40 years of experience in the beauty industry, I am a global makeup artist, brand founder, and beauty expert. My career has taken me across editorial and commercial shoots, haute couture catwalks, and into roles involving brand consultancy, staff training, and motivation. In 2007, I was honored with an MBE for my significant contributions to the cosmetics industry. As a trailblazer in the movement towards inclusivity, I am dedicated to highlighting and enhancing natural features, encouraging EVERYONE to embrace their unique beauty.
Committed to simplifying and enhancing beauty routines, I’ve leveraged my four decades of expertise in the industry to launch my eponymous range. Ruby Hammer Beauty empowers individuals to take control of their beauty, offering straightforward beauty advice and innovative, multipurpose products designed to celebrate and enhance natural beauty—no filters, no Photoshop, just genuine, easy-to-follow guidance. Made by an artist, designed for YOU.
LinkedIn Profile HERE
Ross Nutter – Partner, Waldencast
Career Summary
Ross has spent the last 16 years working in Beauty for P&G, Coty, and now Waldencast. He comes from a background in Finance, having recently formally moved into the Managing Director of Waldencast Brands and Ventures role. He is passionate about the industry and its power to drive positive change for consumers and for the people working in the industry. Despite working for a number of large companies, he has always focused on challenger and independent brands. He states that he feels very lucky that today he gets to work on creating, nurturing, and scaling the next generation of conscious Beauty and Wellness brands.
Skills & Strengths
Business model development, scaling operations and new brands internationally. Revenue management, P&L management, operations.
LinkedIn Profile HERE
Sandra Vallow – Director of Merchandising – Beauty QVC
Career Summary
I have spent 14 years at QVC UK, the video commerce retailer, and have been Director of Merchandising – Beauty. Prior to QVC, I spent 7 years at Fenwick, latterly as a Beauty Buyer.
I started my career as a graduate trainee at Fenwick Limited, working my way through various departments before being promoted to a buyer in Ladieswear. That’s where my introduction to beauty began. One day, the MD asked if I’d like to take over Beauty. It had never been something I’d thought about, but I went for it. At 25, I found myself running the fourth-largest beauty hall in the country. It was a massive learning curve, but I absolutely loved it.
In 2009, I made a move to QVC as a Cosmetics Buyer. By October, I was promoted to Senior Buyer, and eventually worked my way up to my current position as Director of Merchandising, leading the Beauty category.
Skills & Strengths
Deliver results, strong leader, good communicator, building strategies, retail, commercial, team leadership, creative thinker.
LinkedIn Profile HERE
Shanna Wollack – Head of Global Communications and Corporate Affairs, Unilever
Career Summary
Shanna is a senior communications leader with deep expertise in strategic storytelling, brand reputation, and purpose-led messaging. As Global Head of Communications & Corporate Affairs for Unilever’s €13.2B Beauty & Wellbeing division, she oversees global internal and external comms. With a career spanning top PR agencies and global CPG brands, Shanna brings a unique blend of corporate, consumer, and crisis comms experience. A former Broadway press agent and PRWeek 40 Under 40 honoree, she now lives in London with her family.
Skills & Strengths
Strategic Communications. Media Relations. Corporate Affairs. Crisis & Issues Management. Internal Communications. Integrated Marketing. Leadership. Message Development.
LinkedIn Profile HERE
Stephane Euzen – Northern Europe Regional Director, Acqua di Parma
Career Summary
With a 25 years career in luxury, Stephane has successfully driven brand desirability, omnichannel growth and profitability within a variety of LVMH Maisons ranging from Master brands, such as Dior, Moet-Hennessy, Guerlain, to niche lifestyle luxury brand Acqua di Parma.
With a focus on business leadership and an expert grasp of luxury retail, his role as Regional Director at Acqua di Parma is centred around route to market strategy, retail innovation and fostering a customer-centric ethos. Collaborative teamwork and strategic partnerships have been a cornerstone to driving brand desirability, digital transformation, and ensuring Acqua di Parma remains synonymous with excellence and innovation in Northern Europe.
Skills & Strengths
Brand Building & Elevation, Business Development, Distribution & Omnichannel strategy, Luxury Retail Strategy, Lifestyle brand marketing, Customer Experience, Building high performing teams, Driving performance and productivity.
LinkedIn Profile HERE
Vesa Kalho – Chief Brand Officer at Fraegra
Career Summary
A highly accomplished beauty retail executive with over 20 years of experience in the premium and luxury sector. Currently Chief Brand Officer at Fraegra, where he leads brand strategy and creative direction. Previously Head of Beauty Buying at Fenwick, where he oversaw category growth and led the major refurbishment of the Fenwick Newcastle Beauty Hall. He spent two decades at Harrods in senior roles across fragrance, make-up, and skincare, building a deep understanding of the luxury beauty consumer.
Skills & Strengths
Winner of the – CEW Member’s Achiever Award in 2024, he coaches and mentors emerging talent in the industry and advises UK and international brands on retail strategy, business development, and market positioning. Known for combining strategic clarity with creativity, commercial acumen, and a passion for innovation.
Xander Kaplan – VP, Media, Activation and Communications Coty
Career Summary
A digital and ecommerce executive with over 15 years of experience spanning beauty, luxury, and media. Currently VP of Media, Activation and Communication at Coty, she leads brand growth and transformation across the UK & Ireland. Prior to Coty, she held senior roles at L’Oréal and Revlon, where she drove omnichannel strategy and brand acceleration. Xander began her career in editorial at Condé Nast and holds an MBA from Columbia Business School.
Skills & Strengths
Marketing. Ecommerce. Team Leadership. Change Management. Brand Growth. Omnichannel Strategy.
LinkedIn Profile HERE
For any questions about our mentors, please email [email protected]
