2024 SUMMIT: INNOVATORS & ICONS PANEL
THE SCIENCE OF BEAUTY: INSIGHTS INTO PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Join us for a discussion on the latest trends and technologies shaping the beauty industry, from AI and AR enhancements to hybrid skincare-makeup products and targeted solutions, exploring how these innovations have redefined consumer expectations and carved out new niches in skin, makeup, hair, and body care today.
AMY ACHENBAUM, CBS ‘17
DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT, GLOW RECIPE
Amy spent her first 6.5 years post CBS working at COVERGIRL, with the last 3 years being focused on leading the development and execution of the brand's Face strategy and innovation pipeline. During that time, she developed several winning products - including a concealer that is now COVERGIRL's #1 concealer and #6 in the category, and a face powder that is COVERGIRL's #1 powder and #5 in the category. Amy started as the Director of Product Development at Glow Recipe in November 2023.
ANDY CHIU
GENERAL MANAGER, KRAVEBEAUTY
Andy is currently the General Manager of KraveBeauty, a direct to consumer skincare company that was founded by beauty influencer, Liah Yoo, to #PressRest on the way we think about skincare. He is also a Partner at Press Reset Ventures, KraveBeauty's corporate venture fund. Andy has worked in the beauty industry for over six years, working at Wander Beauty, Versed, and Glansaol. Prior to beauty, Andy worked in finance as an investment banker at Moelis and in advisory at PwC.
ASHLEY HENRY
GLOBAL PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, FRESH (LVMH)
Ashley D. Henry, MBA is a strategic luxury skincare, fragrance, and haircare product developer & marketer with a passion for DEIB and inclusive product design. Prior to her current role as a Global Product Development Manager at Fresh Beauty (LVMH) she received an MBA from the Rice University Jones School of Business with a strategy concentration and an undergraduate degree in Chemistry from Howard University. She has spent time as a chemist, public health epidemiologist, and an ethnic haircare stylist/ specialist and uses her varied experiences to inform thoughtful, innovative, and inclusive product development. Much of her current interest centers around exploring how to infuse inclusive product design in the luxury goods landscape.
NICHOLA GRAY, CBS ‘14
CO-FOUNDER & CEO, KATE MCLEOD
Nichola Gray is the Co-Founder and CEO of Kate McLeod. An experienced operator with a passion for problem solving and innovation, she lept at the opportunity to join Kate in bringing her business out of her kitchen and into the world. Since co-founding Kate McLeod in 2018, Nichola has led the company's efforts to scale its made-from-scratch manufacturing capabilities and double down on its sustainability initiatives.
Kate McLeod creates innovative, plant-based solid moisturizers that intensely nourish dry skin and invite a magic moment of self care into your daily life. Handmade at our Hudson Valley workshop, each product is completely waterless, sustainable, and plastic-free.
NICOLE HOWARD, CBS ‘10 (MODERATOR)
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Professor Nicole Howard is a global beauty executive with more than 23 years of cross functional experience, she is currently an associate professor for both the FIT CFMM Graduate Studies Program and the FIT CFM Undergraduate Program. She has professional expertise in New Product Development, Innovation, International Market Expansion, Strategy and Organizational Leadership.
Prior to joining FIT, she spent 23+ years with The Estee Lauder Companies working on various brands including Origins, Bumble and bumble, MAC, Clinique, Darphin and Aveda with a focus on Product Development across categories including skin care, hair care, makeup, fragrance, body care and home/lifestyle products. She has international overseas experience and was based in Paris, France for Darphin and Clinique EMEA as well as has had extensive experience with international travel and business in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America.
Nicole is a graduate of the FIT CFMM Masters Program (Class of 2005) and member of the FIT CFMM alumni association. She also is a graduate of Columbia Business School (Class of 2010). She has participated as an alumni co-teacher on graduate international seminars in Europe and Asia. She is passionate about the cosmetics and fragrance business, international markets, art, fashion and french culture.