Neil Astles

I support Zymvol in the business development and market positioning of enzyme-based technologies and innovative ingredients for personal care. My work covers go-to-market strategy, strategic account development, customer and partner engagement, commercial discussions, product positioning, market intelligence and coordination with R&D, regulatory and marketing teams.

As Global Marketing Manager, I am responsible for the skincare biofunctional portfolio and market position, the development and implementation of short and long-term marketing plans to support this. Responsible for developing Marketing Objectives and Strategies including New Product Introduction, and Assessment of new market opportunities leading to a sustainable competitive advantage with existing and new products. The Global Marketing Manager provides global leadership, coordination and guidance to a multi-functional team in the implementation and execution of the marketing strategy in a matrix organization measured by revenue and profitability growth. Key Areas of Expertise - Leading projects working in a global business matrix. - Creating and leading business opportunities at global and regional companies with special focus on global top 100 skincare companies. - Reaching and exceeding business growth targets with focus on the promotion of New Products. - Strong Market Knowledge and Customer Expertise in USA, Asia and Europe. - New Product Development and Innovation: leading ideas through a step process to a new product. - New Product Launch: development and execution of launch strategies including the creation of communication plan, support document and training of sales and channel partners.

Exsymol develops, manufactures and sells cosmetic skincare actives for which the cosmetic efficacy is supported by strong scientific data. The company is a leader in Silanol actives (organic silicon) and also promotes several cosmetic peptides. As technical sales, accountabilities included: - Promoting the portfolio of Exsymol actives and developing business opportunities with selected accounts in France. This activity was directly organized with the client. - Supporting business development in USA, Asia (mainly China and South East Asia countries) and UK. The countries in these regions were all serviced through distributors. - For each country: o building a strong business relationship with the distributors’ leadership and sales teams. o Organizing regular visits to train the sales teams and visit local key players. o Maintaining regional teams updated with events and new documentations. - Managing the tradeshows in USA and Asia (Supplier’s Day, In-Cosmetics Asia). - Carry out regional customer seminars (USA, China, Asia). - Prepare product brochures and presentations in French and in English. Acquired skills: - Cosmetic Market Knowledge. - Customer and Opportunity Management. - Training and managing channel partners around the world. - Working with quality management system ISO 9001.

The Crans Montana Forum works to build a more Humane and Impartial World and encourages international cooperation and overall growth. It also works to promote best practices and to ensure a permanent dialogue between all those who handle high-level responsibilities. Main activities involved: - Selecting worldwide business leaders to develop the database of prospect participants invited to the various discussion forums and updating the data for existing leaders. - Contributing to the preparation and execution of several mass paper mailing invitation campaigns. - Contributing to the success of the Forums organized several times a year. As a member of the organization team, responsibilities included welcoming guests and attending to their needs, handling various aspects linked to logistics such as hotels, transportation, documentation, meals and many other tasks. Acquired skills: - Working in a business environment within a small team. - Managing priorities, understanding available resources and meeting deadlines. - Working with people from various cultures, countries and backgrounds.