I am an accomplished technical leader with over 25 years of experience driving innovation, product strategy, and operational excellence in Home and Personal Care. Proven expertise in managing cross-functional, international teams, developing consumer-focused products, and navigating complex regulatory frameworks. Strong background in chemistry, industrialization, and brand strategy. A multilingual professional fluent in Italian and English, with a working knowledge of French, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse counterparts both inside and outside the organization. Passionate about mentoring and knowledge-sharing through academic and professional networks, I am constantly driven by a love for learning and evolution.

What sets me apart is my cross-category experience spanning all areas of FMCG and my in-depth understanding of the technical and operational aspects of the industry. I excel at taking sharp “snapshots” of organizations—analysing systems, habits, and procedures—and identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement. I have a knack for digesting complex concepts and making them accessible to stakeholders and partners, ensuring clarity and alignment.

This page offers a concise overview of my professional background as R&D Leader, including brief descriptions of my most recent roles. For more details, please visit the Skills & Competencies and References sections. To return to this page at any time, simply click on the site name in the top-left corner.

A downloadable version of my CV is available at the bottom of all pages.

Professional Experience – short CV

2024 – Present: Fabric Treatment R&D Leader LATAM, EE, and AME @ Reckitt

• Lead an international R&D team in a matrix environment to deliver consumer-relevant innovations for a major laundry brand in fast-growing markets.
• Spearheads R&D initiatives addressing challenges like the Green Deal and Digital Product Passport (DPP)
• Coordinates product performance analysis evolution initiatives and long-term claim substantiation leading a multifunctional team.

2021 – 2023: Liquid Fabric Treatment R&D Leader @ Reckitt

• Managed a multi-location R&D team (Italy, Dubai, Brazil) to deliver a robust innovation pipeline for a market-leading laundry brand with annual revenue exceeding €700M.
  • Oversaw CSR and brand purpose initiatives, ensuring alignment with regulatory and industry dynamics while supporting technical communication and claim substantiation.
  • Directed HSE operations for the R&D site.

2020: Consultant & Writer

• Advised investment companies on personal care, regulatory, and formulation strategies.
• Published technical articles in industry-leading magazines on topics spanning cosmetics, agriculture, and mechanics.

2018 – 2019: VP R&D – Make-Up and Nail Polish @ Fareva

• Unified five R&D teams across Europe under a cohesive strategy, fostering collaboration and improving synergies across >70 team members and >100 projects annually.
• Introduced sensory testing methodologies, project and innovation management techniques, and raw material rationalization principles.
• Directed regulatory affairs to ensure global compliance and streamlined product portfolio management.

2013 – 2018: Global R&D Director – Oral Care @ Unilever Personal Care

• Led global R&D innovation for a €1B Oral Care brand, overseeing a team of ~30 professionals.
• Directed product logic, raw materials management, industrialization, and analytical laboratories across all Unilever Oral Care brands.

1999 – 2012: Various Roles – R&D and Regulatory Affairs @ Unilever Personal Care

Progressed through critical roles including:

• Regulatory Affairs Specialist Europe (cosmetics, medical devices, fortified foods).
• Technical Project Leader for European and global projects.
• Fragrance Manager and Product Logic Lead, collaborating closely with external partners (Global)
• Packaging & Product Manager for Toothbrush globally

Education

Master’s Degree in Chemistry (Dottore in Chimica)

University of Pavia – Faculty of Sciences MM. FF. NN 1997 (109/110).

Languages

• Italian (Native)
• English (Fluent)
• French (intermediate)

Other Activities

• Lecturer at EFCM MBM Fragrance and Cosmetics, University of Padova, University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, and ISIPCA (2003 – Present).
• Previous member of the Professional Women Network, Mentor, SupportHer practitioner.