Accomplished and highly skilled RD leader with a proven track record of success applying strong RD business financial and analytical acumen to lead operational strategic and fiscal functions for diverse organizations that drive innovation growth revenue and profits. Held executive roles at top-tier companies leading Global Hair ColorHair Products and Fragrance teams at Revlon Coty and Wella Companies. Well-rounded skill set in management innovation and technical leadership. Significant contributions building brands managing teams and overseeing manufacturing processes to leading innovative efforts in product development. Executive Management of RD Scientists: Extensive experience leading global cross-functional teams of RD scientists at Revlon Coty and Wella fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment to drive research and development efforts. Business Partner to Marketing and Sales: Worked closely with marketing and sales teams to strategize and optimize the product portfolio cost and brand growth. Technical Function Lead for Established and New Brands: Led technical functions for established and new brands ensuring robust formula design safetyregulatory compliance and timely delivery with state-of-the-art claims. Third-Party Manufacturing Oversight: Expertise in managing third-party manufacturing and vendor selection safety regulatory cost quality and efficiency. Global Salon and Claims Testing: Designed and supervised testing of hair color fragrance and relaxers ensuring excellent product performance shade pallet and claims in US Brazil Mexico Europe and Asia. Integration RD Leader for Acquisitions: Served as an RD leader for company acquisitions ensuring the smooth integration of new technologies and practices into the existing framework. Innovation: Passion and commitment to innovation contributing new ideaspatents and methods to build a given product portfolio.

lou ann vena

CONSULTANT

About

Education

Rutgers University Cook College

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Experience

Wella Company

Senior Director Retail Hair Color RD / 2018 — 2024

Third-Party Manufacture lead for retail Hair Color developing strategic partnerships with vendors. Most notable products commercialized are the Root Touch -up Sprays and Powders. Manage Retail Bleach business including sourcing and cost. Lead innovation and upstream technology for Professional and Retail Hair Color.

Coty

Vice President RD Integration Leader for Retail Hair Care / 2015 — 2018

Leveraged extensive Hair Color expertise to facilitate integration of PG acquired Hair Color brands into Coty's portfolio. Orchestrated the design and relocation of the Hair Color laboratory from PG to Coty's New Jersey facilities. Spearheaded the RD role on the steering committee to move PG's South American operations from Mexico to Cotys strategic acquisition Hypermarcus S.A. Beauty Business in Brazil.

Revlon Consumer Products

Vice President Global Hair Products and Fragrance / 2003 — 2015

RD Global leader of Hair Color and Fragrance Divisions. Supervised staff and coordinated cross-functional teams in product innovation claims packaging process development and competitive surveillance. Developed innovative technologies that filled key need gaps maintaining a comprehensive portfolio of new product concepts and prototypes capable of commercialization. Directed global fragrance development initiatives enhancing product appeal and market competitiveness. Maintained strong partnerships with key industry vendors. Scrutinized the competitive landscape informing strategic briefing directions. Upgraded fragrances of existing products for better consumer acceptance and safety. Drove significant cost reduction projects resulting in significant savings.

Director Hair Products and Fragrance

Fostered strategic partnership with marketing resulting in a comprehensive Colorsilk revamp which included improvements to the product's formula claims packaging and model selection. Drove Colorsilk to achieve sustained growth maintaining a remarkable 10% increase for 15 consecutive years establishing it as Revlon's most lucrative division and still leader in retail kit unit sales in North America.

Manager Professional Products Division

Managed a diverse product portfolio including professional hair color ethnic Hair Products and professional men's grooming products.

Section Manager Process Development

Directed RD activities for the process development of all color cosmetics. Responsible for process development integration of the following acquisitions: Max Factor Almay Germain Montiel Cosmetics Charles of the Ritz. Managed start-up of Oxford North Carolina manufacturing facility with transfer of manufacturing from Edison New Jersey and Phoenix Arizona.

Senior Scientist Color Cosmetics

Formulated color cosmetics including make-up mascara powders and pencils. Granted patent on first water in silicone make-up that gave Revlon a significant competitive advantage in this category.

Unilever

Chemist

Formulated a new toothpaste base using a patented proprietary OTC drug.

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