Consumer Services
Manufacturing
Professional Services
Technology, Information and Media
Active

annesophie.baehrel

Experienced R&D professional & passionate people manager

About Me

I have 17 years of experience in R&D and Innovation at two major FMCG companies, Reckitt and Unilever with more recently, a leadership role at PQ Corporation managing the Global Innovation, Global Technical Service and Regional Quality teams with a total of 55 colleagues. I hold a Master of Science degree from the Ecole Europeenne de Chimie, Polymeres et Materiaux from Strasbourg, France. She is also certified as a Board Advisor from Connectd, UK and has a Project Management certification, APM PMQ from the Knowledge Academy, UK. At Reckitt and Unilever, I managed multiple new product development projects from concept to commercialisation for global brands i.e. Woolite, Vanish, Durex, Love Beauty & Planet, Signal, Pepsodent. In parallel, I always focuse on people and team’s development and growth through PDPs and talent programmes. On the other hand, I have implemented new best practices for project management within cross-functional and remote teams leading to a faster route to market. Outside of work, I am passionate about travelling (lived in 6 foreign countries), addicted to the thrill of scuba diving and enjoys the quietness of yoga and meditation.

Jurisdiction

United Kingdom | France | Germany | Italy | Spain | Belgium | Netherlands

Experience

Seniority LevelDirector
Years of Experience15-20 years
Current StatusActive
R&D DirectorPQ
2022 - 2025

Building of strategic growth of new innovative silicas for various applications with the GM and global cross-functional team Provided Technical Service to existing and new customers in collaboration with the Commercial team Led the implementation of improved guidelines for project management Supervised the Quality tasks (QA and QC) for the manufacturing site Management of people globally with 4 direct reports and a wider team of 60 individuals. Development of team capability for improved productivity and flexibility

Senior Innovation ManagerUnilever
2019 - 2022

Responsible for the successful global launch of natural and sustainable products and platforms: - Collaboration with 3rd parties (US FDA for OTC Drugs products) - Participated in ways of working guidelines for fast track projects Claims strategy definition and organisation of consumer and clinical studies with 3rd parties Regional Operations Manager: - Define the Portfolio Strategy for the EU region - Leading local initiatives i.e. cost savings, Regulatory changes Management and development of 2 direct reports

Innovation ManagerReckitt
2012 - 2018

Responsible for the successful launch of global new products and platforms: - Participated in business strategy definition with Marketing and top management - Launch planning with international and remote stakeholders: Marketing, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Clinical Affairs, Quality - Review and approval of process and documentation: validations (GMP), change control, design control, design output, risk management files, FDA, ISO standards and EU MDTF Development of laboratory capability with innovative methods and equipment (GLP). Organisation of consumer and clinical studies with external parties. Preparation and attendance of audits with FDA and worldwide agencies Management and development of 5 direct reports. Creation of the recruitment process and personal performance for the Leadership Programme

Regional Operations ManagerReckitt
2010 - 2012

Technical support to the European factories for Woolite, Vanish and Fabric Softeners. Roll-out of new products in several factories in Europe. Transferred production for cluster redefinition and contingency plans Planning and supervision of sourcing to new markets Cost efficient activities: innovative sourcing and flexible formulations Management and development of 2 direct reports

Education

Masters of ChemistryEcole Europeenne de Chimie, Polymeres et Materiaux de Strasbourg
2003 - 2007

Certification

Total Certifications1

Board Advisor

Connectd

2025

Skills

Core skills0
Languages6

Languages

English (British)
English
Italian
French
German
Thai