Abigail Nelson
Sales and Education Area Manager, Beauty Solution Trading
Abigail Nelson is the area sales and education manager for Beautysolutions for over 4 years.
Abi comes with over 16 years’ experience in luxury beauty from SPAS, salons, beauty distribution, travel retail, retail, and field performance across the GCC and beyond.
Very passionate about beauty , Sales , education, and professional development of teams across the globe.
I am keen on powering teams with strong product knowledge and exceptional skills that drive business growth and excellence.
Adam Sloan
CEO, Men's Hairdressing Federation
Adam Sloan is a leading authority in UK hairdressing and barbering, with over 40 years’ experience dedicated to raising professional standards, developing talent, and advancing industry education.
He is Founder and CEO of the Men’s Hairdressing Federation (MHfed), supporting barbers, hairdressers, colleges, and employers through education, collaboration, and professional development. Adam also serves as Chair of the City & Guilds Hairdressing and Barbering Industry Boards, working with employers, educators, and policymakers to shape vocational training and apprenticeships.
A former multi-salon owner and training academy director, Adam has educated thousands of learners and helped develop high-performing industry professionals. He is also an author of several industry publications and a recognised advocate for employer-led training and quality education.
His contributions have been honoured with the Scottish Hair & Beauty Awards Lifetime Achievement Award, and he has been welcomed into the historic Incorporation of Barbers of Glasgow in recognition of his impact on the profession.
Today, Adam is an international speaker and industry advocate, sharing expertise on leadership, education, apprenticeships, business growth, and the future of the global hair and barbering sector.
Amna Abbas
Senior Consultant – Beauty & Health | Luxury & Fashion, Euromonitor Interntaional
Amna is a Senior Consultant at Euromonitor International, based in Dubai. As a thought leader and industry expert in beauty, health, luxury, and fashion, her insights and analysis provide global, regional, and local brands with tactical and strategic solutions to foster company growth, with a special focus on the MENAT and Pakistan regions.
She advises clients across these industries on topics ranging from health and wellness, understanding government agendas, consumer trends, and business strategy planning. Amna is also one of the authors of the annually published "Top 10 Global Consumer Trends" whitepaper.
Along with regular interactions with major global and regional beauty and fashion industry players, she has been a proactive contributor to articles and interviews through various platforms such as exhibitions, TV, radio, and press media. Some examples include Beautyworld, CNN, Forbes, Euro News, Dubai Eye, Gulf News, and Images Retail ME.
Amna holds a Master of Strategic Marketing, top graduate, from the University of Wollongong. She has been active in the field of market research intelligence for more than a decade, bringing with her rich insights on the region compared to the world.
Andranik Ayvazyan
Chief Partnership Officer, Keune
Andranik Ayvazyan is a beauty industry executive with over 15 years of experience driving growth, strategic partnerships, and international expansion across the beauty and personal care sector. He currently serves as Chief Partnership Officer at Keune, where his primary focus lies within the global haircare industry, building partnerships and unlocking new opportunities for brands and stakeholders. Throughout his career, he has worked at the intersection of beauty, investments, and deal-making, helping companies scale and navigate complex market landscapes. With experience spanning Europe, the UK, and the GCC, he brings a global perspective to shaping the future of beauty.
Barbara Geusens
CEO, Nomige
Dr. Barbara Geusens is a Belgian bio-engineer, founder of DNA-based skincare brand Nomige, and a leading voice in precision skincare science. She holds a PhD in biomedical sciences from Ghent University, where her research on lipid-based nanosome delivery led to an international patent, and an additional degree from Vlerick Business School. Before founding Nomige, she worked as Innovation Manager at Omega Pharma, developing formulas for brands including Dermalex and Lactacyd.
Her work bridges genomics and cosmetics: Nomige's approach uses DNA analysis to create personalized skincare based on individual genetic profiles — validated in peer-reviewed publications and a double-blind split-face clinical trial.
At Beauty World Middle East, Dr. Geusens will present The Silent Burn — the science of how genetic variants silently accelerate skin aging long before visible symptoms appear, and why precision skincare, not generic routines, is the only effective response.
Daniel Leese
Founder, Andsom Skin
Daniel Leese is the driving force behind Andsom Skin, the men’s grooming brand that proved natural, high-performance skincare can compete and win. After a severe reaction to conventional products, Daniel began formulating alternatives in his kitchen. That DIY experiment became Andsom Skin: a range of science-backed, 100 % natural formulas that now help thousands of men achieve younger, healthier skin.
Under Daniel’s leadership, Andsom Skin Skin has championed ingredient transparency, upcycled botanicals, and eco-conscious packaging—values that earned the company the prestigious “Skincare Brand of the Year” award in 2024 in their first year business. Today, Daniel’s mission is clear: set a new global standard for men’s grooming by proving clean ingredients, sustainability, and uncompromising results can go hand in hand.
Dawn Kubicek
Founder, Leaders In Digital
Dawn Kubicek is the Founder and CEO of Leaders in Digital, an AI-first strategic consultancy helping global, multi-location and franchise brands build scalable visibility and revenue growth.
Based between Dubai and London, Dawn brings over 25 years of digital strategy experience across B2B and premium B2C sectors, including finance, technology, beauty, health, wellness and e-commerce. She specialises in AI-driven search, SEO, digital strategy and connected visibility systems that help brands increase discovery, accelerate acquisition and drive long-term growth.
A Google Women Techmakers Ambassador, TEDx Speaker, international keynote speaker and university lecturer, Dawn is recognised for her expertise in AI search, digital visibility and the future of brand discovery.
Dorothy Lata
Founder, Media Spotlight Coaching
Dor Lata is a Global Media Presence Strategist and creator of Human Brand™, known for transforming how high-level leaders and founders embody presence, authority, and influence in a digital-first world.She is the founder of Command the Camera™, a transformational methodology designed to help executives, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders show up with clarity, confidence, and impact—on camera and beyond.With over 20 years of experience in the beauty and media industries, Dor’s background spans artistry, global education, and brand development. She spent 12 years at Bloomberg LP, where she rose to Creative Director of Global Operations, leading creative teams and shaping visual identity, on-camera presence, and brand standards across a worldwide platform.What further defined her perspective was launching her own fragrance brand—the E/4 Fragrance Collection—a female-founded, boutique fragrance house, fully developed and made in New York City. She led the brand from initial concept to retail distribution, including placement in Times Square, gaining firsthand insight into what makes a product not just exist—but sell.Through both corporate leadership and entrepreneurship, Dor recognized a defining truth: success in today’s saturated market goes beyond product quality. It’s driven by positioning, visibility, and the ability of the founder or brand to create trust, authority, and meaningful connection.Today, through her signature COMMAND Method™, Dor helps leaders become the face and driving force behind their business growth—showing up with confidence, clarity, and presence in every interaction.
Elizaveeta Fadeeva
Skincare Brand Development Director & Project Lead, Incenta
Elizaveta Fadeeva is a Skincare Brand Development Director and Project Lead at Incenta, a private label innovation platform inside Unicare, one of the UAE’s leading cosmetics manufacturers with over 18 years of industry experience.
She works at the intersection of high-performance skincare manufacturing, strategic branding, and commercial execution — guiding clinics, wellness businesses, and emerging retail brands through the full journey from concept to shelf. With deep insight into formulation, packaging, and consumer behavior, Elizaveta helps founders and business owners launch products that are both market-ready and brand-aligned.
Eljammi Gozalli
Founder, Ouioui Skin
Eljammi Gozalli is an award winning content creator, entrepreneur and the founder of ouioui , which is a beauty brand redefining skincare through playful, innovative and experience led products.
With over 12 years of experience in the digital and beauty space, Eljammi has built a strong community around beauty, lifestyle and entrepreneurship. A certified esthetician and skincare specialist, she combines her professional understanding of skincare with her experience as a content creator to create products and companies that resonate with today’s consumer.
Eve El Gemayel
Country Head, Nazih Group
Eve El Gemayel is an experienced salon consultant and beauty industry professional specializing in helping salons and spas grow and thrive. With hands-on expertise in salon setup, furnishing, training, and strategic consulting, Eve supports beauty businesses from concept to completion. Previously, Eve held leadership roles at L’Oréal managing brands like Kérastase, L’Oréal Professionnel, and Essie, and served as Brand Manager at Jashanmal overseeing luxury perfume and cosmetics portfolios including Gucci, Davidoff, Bassam Fattouh, and Christian Dior. Known for facilitating major industry events and trainings such as Kérastase hair shows, she currently leads a team at House of Beauty, providing salons with end-to-end solutions including product distribution from top professional brands like Sech, Helios, Italwax, Brae, and Prohall. Passionate about driving innovation and excellence, Eve is dedicated to empowering the salon and spa community through strategic guidance and comprehensive support.
Faiza Hussain
Founder, The Skin Shrink, NEX, SciFhy Labs
Faiza Hussain is an award-winning cosmetic scientist, formulation strategist and the founder of The Skin Shrink consultancy, NEX and SciFhy Labs. She operates as a global brand consultant, industry judge, public speaker, scientific writer and specialises in navigating Middle Eastern and international cosmetics, fragrance and skincare brands with product development, patents, innovation, ingredient and growth acceleration.
Fama Ndiaye
CEO, Agaskin
Fama Ndiaye is the Founder & CEO of AGASKIN, a Seoul-based K-beauty creative agency and consultancy connecting Korean beauty brands to global markets across the GCC, Europe, and Africa.
With over a decade embedded in the Korean beauty industry, Fama has built AGASKIN into a multi-faceted platform spanning brand activation, market intelligence, retail partnerships, including Galeries Lafayette Paris and Tryano (Chalhoub Group) as well as consumer education. She works with 100+ Korean beauty brands navigating international expansion.
Born in Paris of Senegalese origin and based in Seoul, Fama brings a rare cross-cultural lens to K-beauty, consistently recognized as a leading voice on inclusivity in beauty. Her work has been featured in Allure, Dazed Beauty, and The Korea Times, and has spoken at K-Beauty Expo Korea, Cosmobeauty Seoul, and Beautyworld Middle East.
Her work sits at the intersection of beauty intelligence, brand strategy, and market access, making her one of the most distinctive bridges between Seoul and the global market.
Fei XU
Market Intelligence & Consumer Insight Director, Asia Cosme Lab
With over 17 years of experience in beauty market intelligence, Fei Xu is a recognized expert on China’s beauty market, consumer trends and product innovation.
Since 2009, he has served as Market Intelligence Director at Asia Cosme Lab, closely tracking the transformation of China’s and Asia’s beauty landscapes. His expertise spans consumer insights, emerging trends, product and technology innovation, and market dynamics, helping brands anticipate change, identify new opportunities and navigate an increasingly fast-evolving market.
A graduate of Guangdong University of Foreign Studies in China and ESCP Business School in France, Fei is fluent in Chinese, French and English, bringing a unique cross-cultural perspective to the global beauty industry.
As a sought-after keynote speaker, Fei regularly shares his insights at leading international beauty exhibitions and conferences, including Cosmoprof Asia, in-cosmetics, Luxe Pack Shanghai & Monaco, International Cosmetics Innovation Conference and Fragrance Innovation Summit.
Florence Roghe
Founder & Director, Collateral Projects
Florence Roghe is the founder of collateral projects., a project management and new product development agency specialising in the beauty industry. The agency offers fractional senior-level support, bringing the flexibility and agility modern brands need to scale smarter. With over 20 years of experience, she brings a unique blend of corporate and entrepreneurial insight, having worked with leading UK brands such as Beauty Pie, Soaper Duper, and Soap & Glory.
Through Collateral Projects, Florence has supported a range of premium and purpose-driven brands including Gallinée by Dr. Marie Drago, pioneers in microbiome skincare; MZ Skin by Dr. Maryam Zamani, a luxury doctor-led brand; and MIRROR WATER by Estée Lalonde, focused on self-care and wellbeing— along with various other brands and bespoke projects across the beauty industry.
Florence leads projects from concept to shelf, overseeing formulation, packaging, positioning, and strategy—ensuring each launch aligns with brand values and market needs. Passionate about innovation and product excellence, she helps brands build relevant products in a fast-moving and competitive landscape.
Collateral Projects offers fractional senior-level support, bringing the flexibility and agility modern brands need to scale smarter. Their approach is rooted in clear planning, strong processes, and a deep love for beauty done well.
Fred Khoury
Founder & CTO, Above Rinaldi Labs
Fred Khoury is a globally recognized cosmetic chemist and one of the driving forces behind performance skincare innovation today. With over two decades of experience in elite formulation and product development, he leads Above Rinaldi Labs' research and innovation team out of its Los Angeles laboratories, guiding brands from first formula to full-scale production.
A prolific inventor, Fred holds more than 15 USPTO patents in skincare formulation, spanning advanced delivery systems for Vitamin C and peptides, synergistic hyaluronic acid and retinoid compounds, and dermal rejuvenation aerosols built on perfluorocarbon technology. His work sits at the intersection of chemistry and commercialization, helping brands turn science-backed innovation into products that perform on shelf and in the lab alike.
Through Above Rinaldi Labs, Fred has built a model that lets emerging and established brands alike access the kind of formulation depth once reserved for the world's largest beauty houses — engineering every partnership with the same results-driven integrity that has defined his career.
Hanadi Omar
Trichologist & Skin Expert
Handi Omar is a Trichologist and Skin Expert specialising in scalp diagnostics, hair loss management, skin health, and evidence-based treatment protocols. Her approach combines advanced trichoscopy with personalised treatment plans to address hair and scalp concerns, alongside science-driven skincare solutions tailored to individual skin needs.
Handi believes that healthy skin and hair begin with accurate diagnosis, personalised care, and patient education. Through her clinical practice, public speaking, and digital content, she is passionate about bridging the gap between science and consumer awareness, helping people achieve healthier skin and hair with confidence.
Ian Michael Crumm
Celebrity Esthetician & Founder, BOYS IN BEAUTY
Ian Michael Crumm is a celebrity esthetician, content creator, and founder of BOYS IN BEAUTY™, a cultural collective and membership community redefining how men engage with beauty, grooming, and self-care. Through BOYS IN BEAUTY™ Crumm brings together voices across beauty, media, wellness, and brand innovation to challenge outdated perceptions around masculinity and expand the conversation around beauty inclusivity.
Known for his results-driven approach to skincare, Crumm has partnered with leading beauty brands while building a platform rooted in education. His advocacy work includes partnerships with organizations such as the The Skin Cancer Foundation, the Melanoma Research Foundation, and the Look Good Feel Better Foundation, helping bring greater visibility to skin health, sun protection, and confidence through beauty.
Through, BOYS IN BEAUTY™ Crumm continues to make beauty more approachable, culturally relevant, and inclusive for the next generation of consumers.
John Cafarelli
President & Co-Founder, BeautyMatter
John Cafarelli is Co-Founder and President of BeautyMatter, a leading platform for beauty and wellness news, insights and industry connections. A seasoned beauty entrepreneur, commercial strategist and former financial advisor, he is also the Founder of the multi-award-winning skincare brand Ernest Supplies, which pioneered clean beauty and sustainable packaging.
Previously, Cafarelli served as COO/CFO of Paper Magazine, helping transform it into a leading voice in pop culture, fashion and media. With extensive experience across beauty, consumer investment, media and entrepreneurship, he brings a unique perspective on the commercial trends, innovations and strategies shaping the future of the beauty industry.
Katral-Nada Hassan
Co-Founder & CEO, SAAF FZC
Katral-Nada Hassan is the Co-Founder of SAAF, a UAE-based skincare brand inspired by traditional Middle Eastern botanicals and beauty rituals, reimagined through modern clean formulations. With over 15 years of experience in product strategy, customer experience, and business innovation, she has worked across startups and global organizations, building products and brands that place people at the centre of every decision.
At SAAF, Nada champions the principles of slow beauty, ingredient integrity, and regional heritage, creating products that honour generations of botanical wisdom while meeting the expectations of today's conscious consumer. She is passionate about showcasing the growing influence of Arab beauty on the global stage and believes the future of beauty lies in authenticity, transparency, and a deep connection to origin.
Kelly Kovack
Founder & CEO, BeautyMatter
Kelly Kovack didn’t start in the media — she built brands. As an early executive at Bliss, she helped redefine how beauty was marketed, merchandised, and sold, paving the way for its acquisition by LVMH. She was at the forefront of the cosmeceutical movement as VP of Marketing for Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare and served on the BOD until its sale to Shiseido. She later founded Purpose Built, advising everyone from scrappy startups to Fortune 500 giants. She’s even built award-winning brands of her own, including the cult-favorite fragrance line, Odin New York, and category disruptor, Rescue Beauty Lounge.
Now, as the founder and CEO of BeautyMatter, Kelly brings her decades of insider experience to the business intelligence world, cutting through industry noise to deliver sharp analysis, strategic insight, and the unfiltered truth. BeautyMatter isn’t just reporting on the future of beauty and wellness — it’s shaping it.
Kelly Lundberg
Personal Brand Strategist, Speaker, Author, Kelly Lundberg Official
Kelly Lundberg is a renowned keynote speaker, personal brand strategist, best-selling author and former celebrity stylist. Working globally with CEOs, entrepreneurs and leading retail and luxury brands, Kelly helps individuals elevate their personal brands to maximise their income, impact and visibility.
She is the author of Deseed The Lemon: Elevate Your Personal Brand One Pip at a Time, which shares her unique personal branding framework alongside actionable strategies for building and growing an authentic and successful personal brand.
Through keynotes, interactive masterclasses, workshops and consultancy, Kelly shares her expertise across personal branding, networking, speaking, style, social media, visibility and credibility
Kenneth Hoellmann
CEO & Founder, MÄNN Skincare
Kenneth Hoellmann is the founder and co-formulator of MÄNN Skincare, a luxury skincare brand for men that blends science and nature to deliver high-performance, 100% natural products. With a deep understanding of the evolving beauty industry, Kenneth has pioneered a brand that goes beyond basic grooming, redefining the modern man’s approach to skincare and wellbeing.
His vision for MÄNN Skincare is centered around not just product innovation but also a shift in how men engage with self-care. As a finalist at the Pure Beauty Global Awards 2025 and with plans for expanding MÄNN’s retail presence internationally, Kenneth is at the forefront of a movement that encourages men to embrace skincare as an integral part of their holistic wellbeing.
Kenneth is also a member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists in the UK and the German Society for Scientific and Applied Cosmetics, contributing to his expertise in skincare formulation and the latest advancements in cosmetic science.
He brings insights into the growing demand for men's beauty products, the importance of neurocosmetic ingredients, and how brands can innovate to meet the needs of this increasingly conscious and self-expressive demographic.
Lamees Hamdan
Founder, Timebeam Beauty
Dr. Lamees Hamdan (“Dr. L”) is a Dubai-born Integrative Medical Doctor, longevity expert, serial entrepreneur and Founder of Timebeam Beauty. A graduate of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and a Fellow of the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona, she has spent more than two decades at the intersection of medicine, beauty and longevity.
Dr. L began her career in conventional medicine before expanding her practice into integrative medicine, driven by a desire to understand and treat the whole person rather than individual symptoms in isolation. Her studies have taken her across the U.S., Europe, Southeast Asia and the Middle East, shaping a perspective that blends conventional medicine with evidence-based integrative approaches. Along the way, she became a beauty entrepreneur, founding and building multiple brands and bringing a physician’s perspective to product innovation.
Her approach is rooted in a simple philosophy: everything is connected. Skin is not an isolated surface, but a reflection of what is happening throughout the body—from cellular energy and inflammation to stress, sleep and nutrition. This perspective led Dr. L to develop an inside & out approach to skin longevity that goes beyond far traditional anti-aging to address how skin functions and ages at a cellular level.
As Founder of Timebeam Beauty, Dr. L is translating the science of longevity into clinically proven, doctor-formulated skincare and supplements designed to help prevent and reverse visible signs of aging. Through Timebeam, she is on a mission to make the rapidly evolving world of longevity science easier to understand, more accessible and more relevant to the way people care for their skin every day.
Lauren O'Connell
Beauty Editor, Cosmopolitan Middle East, Founder & CEO, 3of Cups
Lauren O’Connell is the Beauty Editor of Cosmopolitan Middle East and Founder & CEO of skincare brand 3 of Cups. With a career spanning beauty journalism, brand storytelling, industry events and product development, Lauren has interviewed some of the world’s leading beauty founders and executives and moderated conversations with industry leaders across the Middle East. In 2026, she launched 3 of Cups and its debut product, The Shower Mask, an innovative in-shower face mask developed in France. A breast cancer survivor, Lauren brings a unique perspective to the beauty industry, combining editorial expertise, entrepreneurship and a deeply personal understanding of beauty as a tool for confidence, connection and self-care.
Lee Bryan
CEO, Arcus Compliance Ltd
Lee Bryan is the founder and CEO of Arcus Compliance and one of the most outspoken voices reshaping how regulated industries think about compliance. His message is simple and deliberately provocative. Compliance isn't a burden or a brake on growth. Done properly, it's a weapon. It protects consumers, exposes weak operators, and hands serious founders an unfair advantage over competitors who cut corners.Since founding Arcus in 2017, Lee has helped some of the world's most disruptive brands across cosmetics, personal care and novel nicotine turn fragmented UK and EU regulation into commercial strength. Drawing on an early career in the chemical side of the luxury goods industry across Italy, Spain and the Netherlands, he blends technical depth with hard commercial reality.He is the author of two Amazon best-sellers, How Safe Is Your Vape? and The Compliance Edge: How Disruptive Entrepreneurs Win in Regulated Markets (2026), and the creator of the ARC framework for building agile, risk-based compliance cultures.
Leticia Stables
Founder & CEO, Beauty For Good
Leticia Stables works at the intersection of business strategy, global governance and positive impact, with a particular focus on the global beauty and luxury sectors. Her guiding conviction is simple: beauty can — and must — be a force for good. Not as a compromise on performance, but as its natural evolution.
Through Beauty For Good™, the proprietary methodology she founded, Letícia helps beauty and luxury businesses embed responsible practice into the architecture of how they operate — positioning integrity, governance and impact not as constraints on growth, but as the foundations of it.
As Global Coordinator of the B Corp Beauty Coalition, she convenes the senior leadership of more than 50 B Corp certified beauty companies worldwide, and as an Associate Member of the Positive Luxury Impact Network in London, she contributes to advancing impact at an institutional level across the industry.
She brings a rare combination to the stage: scientific rigour built over fourteen years in corporate and institutional environments, systems-level thinking honed through governance and human rights work, and the strategic clarity of someone who has built her own consultancy around a single premise — that the future of beauty will be shaped by the integrity of its systems, the calibre of its leadership, and the scale of the impact it delivers.
Lorne Lucree
Founder & CEO, Wizard Wellness
Lorne Lucree is a leading voice at the intersection of beauty, wellness, and science, with more than two decades of experience creating award-winning products and culturally resonant brands. Known for blending formulation science, consumer insight, and storytelling, he has helped shape some of the most influential launches in modern beauty
His career spans advertising at Procter & Gamble, global marketing at L’Oréal, and R&D and product development at Estée Lauder and Unilever Prestige. At Luxury Brand Partners, he helped launch cult favorites R+Co, IGK, and ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr—where he concepted On ’Til Dawn Setting Spray, the #1 selling makeup product in the U.S. He later served as Chief Innovation & R&D Officer at Voyant Beauty and as the first Innovation Strategic Advisor to Unilever Prestige.
Lorne is the founder of Quiet Coyote Consulting, where he partners with fast-growth prestige brands—including Sephora standouts YSE Beauty and ROZ Haircare—to translate deep science into emotionally compelling, commercially successful products.
In 2026, he launched Wizard Wellness, a microbiome-led allergy care brand reimagining relief through science, sensoriality, and everyday magic, available nationwide at Walmart, Target, and CVS. Wizard is backed by leading investors across beauty, health, and wellness, including True Beauty Ventures, Able Partners, and G9 Ventures.
A frequent speaker and judge for WWD’s Greatest Beauty Products of All Time, Lorne is known for bridging creativity with strategy and science with storytelling to drive real impact.
Maheen Khan
Founder, Parudeesa
Maheen Khan is the founder of Parudeesa, an award-winning London-based body care brand combining science, sustainability and Indo-Persian heritage. Drawing on her healthcare background and personal experience with sensitive skin, she created Parudeesa to offer effective, elegant body care rooted in skin health.
Developed over three years with leading cosmetics and green chemistry experts, Parudeesa’s waterless, plastic-free products combine pharmaceutical-grade ingredients, plant-powered materials and sustainable innovation, inspired by Indo-Persian perfumery.
Before launching Parudeesa, Maheen worked in her family’s healthcare business across product development, operations and commercial strategy. She holds a business degree from Concordia University and a master’s degree in International Marketing from Regent’s University London.
Maria Dowling
Founder, mariadowling Salon Dubai & House of Maria Dowling
Renowned for intuitively creating the most natural, flattering colour for her clients, and with a successful career spanning more than 30 years, Maria Dowling has made her mark as the region’s leading hair colourist. Dubbed the ‘Queen of Colour’, Maria is a go-to expert in the Middle East hair industry and a reference point for stylists and other hair professionals in the region.Located in the Jumeirah district, her eponymous salon is a beacon of brilliance with a hand-picked team of internationally trained colourists and stylists. Indeed, the mariadowling salon has more than a dozen awards to its name and a staggering 300 five-star google reviews. In addition to her salon, Maria has successfully launched an iconic hair and scalp clay through her mariadowling brand, which is primed to launch several more industry-disrupting products in the coming months.
Mariela Marcantetti
CEO & Founder, Furless Permanent, Furless Beauty Institute, The Trading Corner
Mariela is the Co-Founder and CEO of Furless Permanent, Furless Beauty Institute, and The Trading Corner. Since launching her first business in 2016 with just one therapist, she has grown her company to six locations across Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Riyadh with over 70 industry experts.
As a leading educator and electrolysis specialist, Mariela has built Furless Beauty Institute into the top beauty school in the UAE. She is deeply committed to excellence, responsible corporate practices, and empowering her team through continuous education and development.
Focused on specialization and high-quality services, Mariela has established herself as a visionary leader in the beauty industry, with plans to expand her brand across the globe.
Mia Collins
Director Of Beauty, Harrods
With over two decades of expertise in luxury, Mia Collins is an influential figure in the UK retail sector for leading the world-renowned Beauty business in Harrods.
Across her impressive career, Mia has harnessed innovative thinking and insights-led business planning to position Harrods Beauty at the pinnacle of global luxury retail.
Under her leadership, Harrods has been named the Fragrance Foundation’s “Fragrance Retailer of the Year” an unprecedented ten times; a testament to her talent for exceptional curation and her instinct for identifying emerging trends.
Mia’s strategic focus and creative direction has shaped many of Harrods most defining milestones: the launch of Salon de Parfums in 2014, a pioneering concept that reframed and redefined the world of fine fragrance; the opening of The Harrods Wellness Clinic in 2017, a visionary destination bridging aesthetics and integrative wellbeing; and the complete transformation of Harrods’ 46,000-square-foot Beauty Halls in 2019, setting a new global benchmark for immersive retail.
Most recently, Collins has extended the Harrods Beauty experience to new UK destinations, with the rollout of H beauty; a network of six specialty stores bringing the brand’s hallmark of luxury beauty to new audiences across England and Scotland.
Beyond her role at Harrods, Mia’s influence extends across the luxury sector. Collins is an award-winning leader, having received the CEW UK Achiever Award in 2014. A passionate advocate for mentorship and emerging talent, Mia continues to shape the future of the industry as a member of the CEW UK Board. Mia also collaborates closely with Walpole, the official governing body for UK luxury, where she is instrumental in guiding and inspiring the next generation of luxury industry leaders.
Mouna Kerfaoui
Regional Marketing Manager, MENAT – Bourjois Paris, Coty Middle East
Marketing professional with 9+ years of experience in the beauty industry across Europe and the Middle East. Mouna has worked with leading international beauty groups including L’Oréal, Chalhoub Group and Coty, building and growing brands across diverse markets mainly MENA. Currently leading Bourjois across MENAT, her expertise spans brand strategy, consumer marketing, innovation, go-to-market strategy and retail. She is particularly passionate about how beauty is evolving beyond products into a broader lifestyle ecosystem, and how brands can build stronger cultural relevance by truly understanding their consumers.
Nadeem Qureshi
CEO, Leather & Lather
Nadeem Qureshi is the Founder and CEO of Leather & Lather, one of the GCC’s first dedicated men’s luxury grooming and lifestyle stores. In 2015, when men’s grooming across the Gulf, including major markets like Dubai was still limited to supermarket shelves or mixed retail counters, Nadeem launched Leather & Lather to bring world-class shaving, skincare, beard care, high quality leather goods and niche fragrance brands directly to male consumers.
With a decade of experience in curating premium grooming products and observing changing consumer preferences, Nadeem has developed deep insight into the men’s grooming industry in the region.
His work has helped shape a new standard for how men in the Gulf approach self-care and positioned Leather & Lather as a benchmark for niche retail in the GCC.
Nadine Karadag
Co-Founder, Valeo Health
Nadine has co-founded Valeo Health, the latest startup in KSA & UAE’s health technology space. Valeo provides healthcare customer journeys the way it should be, by putting users’ needs at the forefront and providing them with the tools they need to proactively manage their health. Valeo’s online health platform introduces a convenient and accessible avenue for at-home health services, high-quality supplements and expert consultations.
Previously, Nadine was a Director in the Portfolio Management Team at Growthgate Capital, a private equity firm with AUM of $1.5B, where she provided direct support to the portfolio companies to accelerate value creation. Before joining Growthgate Capital, Nadine was acting COO of a construction company in Dubai with revenues of $100m and with activities in the Middle East. Before that, Nadine worked at NASDAQ Dubai, where she was responsible for new IPO listings raising around $700M. Nadine holds an MBA from INSEAD and a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from the American University in Dubai. In addition to native Turkish and Arabic, she also speaks French and English.
Nagham Mohamed
Operations Manager, Bedashing Beauty Lounge
With over a decade of professional experience, beginning in 2009, I currently serve as an Operations Manager overseeing multiple branches within the beauty industry. I am a people-oriented leader, passionate about empowering diverse, multinational teams and fostering resilience, accountability, and a results-driven culture — even in the most challenging environments.
My career path is far from traditional. I began in the healthcare sector, transitioned into automotive, and ultimately found my true professional home in the beauty industry. This journey reflects my adaptability, continuous growth mindset, and willingness to embrace new challenges.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting, and one of my proudest achievements is steadily advancing through the corporate ranks through dedication, curiosity, and a strong commitment to developing others. What motivates me most is seeing my team overcome obstacles and succeed together — transforming everyday challenges into meaningful progress and measurable results.
Natasha Hatherall-Shawe
Founder & CEO, TishTash Group
Natasha Hatherall is the Founder and CEO of TishTash Group and TishTash Communications, one of the Middle East’s leading independent PR and communications agencies. With more than 25 years of global experience across media, marketing and communications, Natasha is known for her bold, authentic approach to helping brands connect with audiences through human connection, storytelling and purpose.
A passionate advocate for women in business, she has pioneered progressive workplace initiatives and launched multiple initiatives supporting female entrepreneurs, mothers and professionals across the region. Natasha is also a sought-after speaker and commentator, sharing her expertise on PR, women in leadership, influencer marketing and building authentic brands.
Nipun Kapur Sohal
Global Skincare Authority & Educator
Nipun Kapur Sohal is a Dubai-based skincare educator, content creator, and founder of the trademarked C4 Method® (Cleanse, Correct, Complement, Cover). With over 2.7 million followers across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook, she is ranked the #1 skincare influencer in the UAE and a leading voice in science-backed beauty education across the Middle East and India. Her career spans co-founding a digital marketing startup acquired by Dentsu Aegis and leading e-commerce at Chalhoub Group, LVMH’s Middle East joint-venture partner. Her editorial work has appeared in Vogue Arabia, Robb Report, HELLO!, Khaleej Times, The Hindu, and Hindustan Times, and she has hosted masterclasses for The Ordinary. Known for myth-busting, ingredient-literate content under the banner “science over hype,” she brings a rare blend of luxury retail experience, formulation literacy, and mass consumer reach to conversations on the future of beauty.
Noha Nabil
Founder, Noha Nabil Beauty
Noha Nabil is a leading Kuwaiti beauty entrepreneur, content creator and media personality, inspiring women across the Arab world through beauty, fashion and entrepreneurship. With more than 20 million followers across her social channels, she has been recognised by Forbes among the Top 10 Most Influential Arab Women in Social Media.
Beginning her media career at the age of nine, Noha has since built a successful portfolio of businesses, including her eponymous makeup brand, fashion brand Eleven.11fashion and fragrance brand Retrouvailles Paris. Her influence has earned her numerous accolades, including Best Beauty Influencer at the 2023 World Influencers and Bloggers Awards (WIBA), alongside collaborations with leading international luxury brands.
Olivia Phillips
Founder of The Desk, Editor at Large, Harper's Bazaar Arabia
Olivia Phillips has spent more than 20 years in luxury fashion media, building an international reputation for credibility, taste and strategic clarity.
Headhunted from London over a decade ago, she relocated to the Middle East, where she spent six years as Group Editor-in-Chief of Harper’s Bazaar Arabia, launching Bazaar Saudi and becoming the only editor to concurrently oversee three standalone editions: Arabia, Qatar and Saudi.
Her early career spanned Net-a-Porter, Stylist and Grazia, and she has worked with every major luxury house while interviewing figures from Victoria Beckham and Penélope Cruz to Ryan Gosling and Marc Jacobs.
Now the founder of The Desk, she partners with brands and founders to refine positioning, sharpen narrative and create meaningful cultural access.
Half Greek, half English and based in Dubai, Olivia is also a mother of two and an unshakable believer that the right edit changes everything.
Today, Sanjana's forward-thinking approach has taken her across diverse landscapes and geographies, relentlessly seeking solutions that bridge all skin types and concerns. Having kicked off her professional career in the Middle East over a decade ago, Sanjana's global perspective recognizes the need for skincare meticulously crafted to deliver the best of both worlds, unlocking the skin's true potential.
Sanjana envisions a future where skincare transcends age, gender, and traditional formulas, embracing a fusion of skincare, biotechnology, and purpose.
Sanjana holds a Master's Degree, top graduate, from Regent’s University London and an undergraduate degree in Finance & International Management from Boston University. Driven by research data and skin tech innovation, Sanjana works passionately with chemists toward a vision that is plant-powered.
Ovi Kedo
AI Technologist, Cosmetrics AI
Ovi King is a visionary force redefining the future of haircare, who brings clarity, compassion, and digital intelligence to the world of haircare. A technology pioneer who today designs the systems the industry will rely on tomorrow.
A bestselling author, domain expert, strategist, and innovator, he has spent ten years decoding the biology of hair, the psychology of consumers, and identifying cultural and other blind spots that have held the industry back. He has dedicated a career to helping people understand their hair and helping the industry finally understand its consumers
His work sits at the intersection of science, culture, and technology. It exposes the gaps, challenges the norms, and builds the systems that will define the next generation of beauty.
Razan Majdalawieh
PR Expert
Razan Majdalawieh is a beauty PR and communications expert specializing in influence, creator strategy and culturally relevant brand storytelling. Throughout her career she has worked with some of the world’s most recognized beauty brands developing campaigns, talent partnerships and experiences designed to earn attention and spark conversation across the Middle East and beyond. With a deep understanding of the region’s evolving creator landscape, Razan is particularly passionate about the changing relationship between brands, influence and community & how authentic, culturally attuned content can turn beauty launches into moments that genuinely resonate.
Renee Born
International Presenter
Renee Born is an international host, moderator and presenter with more than 15 years of experience commanding stages across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East.
Known for her warm, polished and engaging presence, Renee leads conversations with global industry leaders, innovators and influential voices across some of the region’s most prominent conferences, summits and live events. Her work spans technology, healthcare, luxury, business and lifestyle.
With an extensive background representing some of the world’s leading luxury brands, combined with her experience in media, live interviewing and brand storytelling, Renee brings a distinctive blend of professionalism, curiosity and energy to the stage.
Ritu Upadhyay
Bureau Chief, WWD
Ritu Upadhyay is the Middle East Bureau Chief for Women's Wear Daily (WWD), the leading voice in the fashion and beauty industry for over 100 years. Ritu leads WWD's coverage of across the Middle East. She brings extensive experience to her role, providing insights into the rapidly evolving Middle Eastern fashion landscape, including emerging designers, luxury retail developments, beauty and style trends and the growing influence of social media on regional consumer behavior. Her work has been instrumental in highlighting the Middle East's increasing importance in the global fashion landscape, providing valuable insights for industry professionals seeking to understand and engage with a very lucrative market. Ritu frequently speaks at industry conferences and panel discussions on the future of the industry in the Middle East.
Salma Hassouna
CEO, Skin by Noor
Dr. Salma Hassouna, BScH, N.D., is a Canadian naturopathic doctor and founder of Skin by Noor. With a clinical background in patient-centred care, botanical medicine, and evidence-based natural therapeutics, she is passionate about empowering individuals through science-backed approaches to health and wellness. Drawing on her Egyptian heritage and decades of her grandfather's pioneering scientific research, she is dedicated to unlocking the untapped potential of date palm pollen and introducing this extraordinary Middle Eastern botanical to the global beauty industry through luxury skincare. Her work bridges traditional botanical knowledge with modern science, challenging conventional approaches to skincare through innovative, multifunctional formulations.
Sanjana Mahesh Balani
Founder & CEO, Potion Inc.
Sanjana Balani is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of POTION INC, leading the company's vision of creating a hybrid skincare segment within the industry. She is a passionate entrepreneur, alchemist, and thought leader dedicated to revolutionizing the potency of nature.
Her skincare line, Potion, combines biotechnology with natural bioactive compounds, producing the most gentle, efficacy-based products. With Potion, Sanjana aims to redefine the goal of skincare, prioritizing skin health above all. "I ardently believe that contemporary consumers require skincare that transcends convention. They crave versatility, performance, and products that adapt seamlessly to their lifestyles," says Sanjana.
Today, Sanjana's forward-thinking approach has taken her across diverse landscapes and geographies, relentlessly seeking solutions that bridge all skin types and concerns. Having kicked off her professional career in the Middle East over a decade ago, Sanjana's global perspective recognizes the need for skincare meticulously crafted to deliver the best of both worlds, unlocking the skin's true potential.
Sanjana envisions a future where skincare transcends age, gender, and traditional formulas, embracing a fusion of skincare, biotechnology, and purpose.
Sanjana holds a Master's Degree, top graduate, from Regent’s University London and an undergraduate degree in Finance & International Management from Boston University. Driven by research data and skin tech innovation, Sanjana works passionately with chemists toward a vision that is plant-powered.
Shaina Rainford
Founder & CEO, Bask and Lather Co.
Shaina Rainford is the Founder and CEO of Bask & Lather Co., a nine-figure, bootstrapped, Black-owned textured haircare brand rooted in science, heritage, and performance. A board-certified nurse practitioner, Shaina transformed family hair remedies into a global, results-driven brand trusted by millions. Under her leadership, Bask & Lather has achieved 1,400% growth from 2024 to 2026, earned #1-ranking products on TikTok, and became the #1 Black-owned haircare brand on Amazon. Bask & Lather has been named to the Inc. 5000 for two consecutive years, while Shaina was recognized on Inc.’s 2026 Female Founders 500 list for entrepreneurial leadership and impact.
Sherin Benny
Laboratory Analyst , SGS Gulf Ltd
Sherin Benny is a detail-oriented life science professional with hands-on experience in laboratory operations and product evaluation, working across a diverse range of materials, from raw ingredients to finished products. With a strong passion for the fragrance and flavours industry, Sherin brings together scientific expertise and creative curiosity. Her experience with a leading global MNC has enabled her to collaborate with diverse teams and major clients, developing a strong understanding of formulation, testing and product performance. Her interests span product innovation, sensory development and fragrance, with a focus on the intersection of science, creativity and safety.
Today, Sanjana's forward-thinking approach has taken her across diverse landscapes and geographies, relentlessly seeking solutions that bridge all skin types and concerns. Having kicked off her professional career in the Middle East over a decade ago, Sanjana's global perspective recognizes the need for skincare meticulously crafted to deliver the best of both worlds, unlocking the skin's true potential.
Sanjana envisions a future where skincare transcends age, gender, and traditional formulas, embracing a fusion of skincare, biotechnology, and purpose.
Sanjana holds a Master's Degree, top graduate, from Regent’s University London and an undergraduate degree in Finance & International Management from Boston University. Driven by research data and skin tech innovation, Sanjana works passionately with chemists toward a vision that is plant-powered.
Shubham Poddar
Founder & CEO, Aiza
Shubham Poddar is the Founder & CEO of Amaani, a Dubai-based company building the next generation of beauty and wellness brands from the Middle East. He founded Amaani in 2023 with the vision of taking Arab beauty global, debuting with AÏZA — a brand backed by $3M from Peak XV (formerly Sequoia India) and featured in Vogue, Elle, and Cosmopolitan.
Previously, Shubham was part of Sequoia Capital India’s investment team, leading its Middle East expansion with investments in Tabby, Huspy, Foodics, and Lean Technologies. He began his career at Bain & Company in New York and graduated rank 1 from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he was part of the prestigious Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business.
Soraya Jouzy
Founder, Pearl Tree
Soraya’s passion for clean beauty and appreciate for nature stems from her mother, a keen botanist and her early exposure to natural remedies.
Her appreciation for wellbeing grew out of her long working hours for the Gordon Ramsay group and Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts; using her knowledge of essential oils to help reduce stress, low and energy and overcome disrupted sleeping patterns.
Determined to share this knowledge with the Middle East, a region addicted to chemically induced instant results and growing obsession with cosmetic surgery, including within her own peer group, Soraya resigned from her career and found Pearl Tree distribution. Her mission – to help local women lead naturally healthier lives.
Soraya is now recognized as a regional champion for clean beauty, sustainability and holistic wellbeing regularly working with Media, Corporates and Government to help change mindsets and raise awareness across the Middle East.
She is super passionate about each Brand she distributes and loves sharing the beautiful stories of the amazing pioneers behind each of them.
Stevi Lowmass
Founder, The Camel Soap Factory
Stevi Lowmass is the founder of The Camel Soap Factory, a Dubai-based skincare manufacturer known for products inspired by the heritage and ingredients of the Middle East. Since starting the business in 2011, she has helped grow it from a home-based venture into a regional manufacturing company focused on natural products, sustainability, and innovation. Stevi is particularly interested in entrepreneurship, product development, and building businesses with purpose.
Valerie Espinasse
Doctor of Pharmacy, Expert in Predictive & Preventive Health and Cellular Nutrition, Methode Espinasse
Dr. Valérie Espinasse is a Doctor of Pharmacy, pioneer in functional nutrition in France and expert in Predictive & Preventive Health, with over 20 years of clinical experience spanning nutrition, cellular health, beauty and longevity.
She is the creator of Cellular Nutrition®, a science-led approach exploring how nutrition, the microbiome, metabolism, inflammation and cellular function influence beauty, ageing and overall wellbeing.
Based in Paris and consulting internationally, Dr. Espinasse is a published author and regular speaker at conferences, private events and masterclasses, bringing beauty and longevity together through a holistic approach to healthy ageing from within.
Victoria Hale- Birch
Founder & Owner, Yellow Fairies
With over 20 years of experience in the beauty industry, Victoria is a beauty professional, entrepreneur and business owner of a beauty distribution company in the Middle East. Her experience spans education, leadership and business development, giving her a unique perspective on the region's rapidly evolving beauty landscape and its growing influence on the global industry
Vimi Joshi
Founder, Vimi Joshi Beauty
Vimi Joshi is a globally respected celebrity and fashion makeup artist with over 28 years of experienceacross fashion, film, music, and international cultural platforms. Born in England and raised in a traditional Indian household, her early exposure to South Asian beauty traditions shaped a career rooted in cultural depth and global perspective.
After training at London’s Glauca Rossi School of Makeup, Vimi began her career with MTV UK before relocating to the Middle East with MAC Cosmetics, where she rose to become a MAC Global Senior Artist and Regional Trainer. Her work spans international fashion weeks and the world’s most prestigious stages,collaborating with icons including Beyoncé, Salma Hayek, Leona Lewis, Eva Longoria, Nicole Scherzinger, Steven Tyler, Kendall Jenner, and Gigi Hadid, alongside leading figures from Bollywood such as Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor. In 2020, she transitioned from industry leader to entrepreneur, challenging beauty’s one-size-fits-all narrative. Grounded in the belief that beauty is deeply personal and shaped by heritage and lived experience, this vision led to the creation of Vimi Joshi Beauty, founded on empowerment, individuality, and regional relevance.
Today, Vimi Joshi stands at the intersection of artistry, entrepreneurship, and cultural storytelling, shaping conversations around beauty, identity, and representation on an international stage.
Vincenzo Minore
Group CEO, TGC Holding
Vincenzo Minore is the CEO of TGCH and an entrepreneur with decades of experience building and scaling businesses in the beauty industry. Passionate about innovation and startups, he helps transform ideas into market-ready ventures by combining industry expertise with emerging technologies. At Beautyworld, Vincenzo will share practical insights on launching, growing, and scaling startups, highlighting the opportunities, challenges, and strategies required to succeed in today’s competitive beauty and wellness market.
Wedad Abdelrahman
Founder, Skin London By Dr. Wedad
Dr. Wedad Abdelrahman is a UK-trained, GMC-registered consultant dermatologist with more than 12 years of clinical experience in adult and paediatric dermatology. After graduating from Queen's University Belfast with distinction, she completed her specialist training in Northern Ireland before undertaking a fellowship in laser, working alongside plastic surgeons at one of the UK's leading Burns and Plastic Surgery centres in Swansea- becoming only the second dermatologist in the UK to complete this training. In 2018, she went on to a highly competitive fellowship in medical dermatology at the renowned St John's Institute, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust in London, later holding a substantive consultant post there running specialist clinics in complex inflammatory and immune-mediated skin conditions. She has published and presented widely at national and international level, and currently serves as Medical Director, contributing to international clinical trials for new and innovative skin treatments.
Drawing on this clinical background, Dr. Abdelrahman is also the founder of Skin London by Dr Wedad, where she is developing her debut product- a multi-functional SPF30 primer and moisturiser built around clinically effective active ingredients. Her approach is guided by a simple principle: skincare should earn its place in a routine through what it does for the skin, not just how it feels.
Yasmina Azar
Director of Operations, Tips and Toes
Yasmina Azar is the Director of Operations at Tips and Toes, where she oversees operational strategy, performance management, and service excellence across the brand’s extensive network of branches.
With master’s degrees in Biology and Environmental Biochemistry, Yasmina began her career in the medical and pharmaceutical fields before redefining her professional path in the UAE’s beauty and wellness industry. She joined Omorfia Group in 2016 as a Customer Service Executive and steadily advanced through managerial roles to become Director of Client Relations & Training Academy. During her tenure, she played a key role in establishing the group’s contact center and leading the creation of the Learning & Development Academy, strengthening internal capabilities and talent development across the organization.
In her current role as Director of Operations at Tips and Toes, Yasmina focuses on driving operational efficiency, enhancing branch performance, implementing scalable systems, and ensuring consistent brand standards across all locations.
Guided by integrity, strategic vision, and a strong commitment to team empowerment, Yasmina is dedicated to building high-performing teams and delivering sustainable growth through operational excellence.