Background

My corporate career started in Marketing and progressed into General Management during my 20’s. Over the next 30+ years, I managed businesses throughout Western and Eastern Europe, the Middle and Far East and Africa. I worked mainly in the highly competitive fields of Fragrances, Cosmetics and Toiletries creating, marketing and managing products, teams and services via subsidiaries, distributors and company-owned stores.

In June 2006, I retired early from corporate life in order to spend more time with my growing but far-flung family. With no plan to seek further employment, I was surprised and delighted to be approached by a large number of companies from my extensive network and beyond with requests to help develop their businesses in a variety of strategic and functional areas.

CV

Wella : During 15 years with Wella. I was latterly GM Ireland, Marketing Director South East Asia and GM for the Consumer Divisions in Italy and the UK. Wella, which is largely a haircare company also included fragrances such as Hugo Boss and is now a part of Coty with worldwide sales around € 4.5b. www.wella.com

Revlon : I worked two stints at Revlon. The second of which I was the Board Director responsible for the marketing of Revlon, Max Factor and Charles of the Ritz brands in Europe-Middle East. Revlon has worldwide sales of +$1.5b. www.revlon.com

Faberge´: I was the UK MD at the fragrance company, Fabergé for several years, during which time we purchased and integrated the Elizabeth Arden business. Fabergé, whose most famous and worldwide No.1 selling brand was Brut, was sold to Unilever in 2003 for $1.5b. In 2007, the Faberge´name was sold on and is still in the process of being re-established as a luxury goods brand.

The Body Shop : I joined friends and founders, Anita & Gordon Roddick for over 7 years. As Head of Product, I was responsible for the creation and marketing of all worldwide products plus the R&D dept. I subsequently helped develop the international and direct-selling operations. The Body Shop’s retail sales through its 3000 shops amount to almost €1.5b worldwide. www.thebodyshop.com

Coty : During 7 years with Coty, I was responsible for managing their non-subsidiary businesses in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Coty is now the world’s largest fragrance company and its brands include Calvin Klein, Adidas, Davidoff Cool Water plus Wella, Clairol, Rimmel, OPI and Philosophy and has worldwide sales of nearly $11b. www.cotyinc.com

Advisory: Since 2006, I have advised the owners and senior managers of more than 20 growth-minded companies in as many markets around the world. During this time, I have worked in the product, services and retail areas of fashion, beauty, food and health care. I believe that I have helped all my business partners to expand their thinking and improve their performance and results in the good times and the bad that have prevailed in recent years.