Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Languages
Affiliations
Personal Information
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
Generic
Aya Kalou

Aya Kalou

Dubai,UAE

Summary

R&D professional with 11 years’ experience driving innovation for Persil detergents across GCC markets. Skilled in translating consumer insights into product concepts and collaborating closely with marketing teams. Looking to apply this blend of technical expertise and market understanding in a marketing role within the perfume industry.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Head of R&D HCB (Henkel Consumer Goods) in GCC

Henkel
Dubai
06.2025 - Current
  • Member of the GCC Commercial Management Team, contributing to strategic brand and market decisions.
  • Collaborate with marketing and sales on go-to-market readiness, ensuring consumer relevance and technical substantiation of claims.
  • Lead cost optimization and compliance projects while safeguarding brand equity and positioning.
  • Ensure smooth scale-up of innovations and successful execution of product launches across GCC factories.

Product Development Manager for Persil MEA

Henkel Dubai
Dubai, UAE
11.2022 - 05.2025

Key Achievements & Responsibilities:

  • Led formulation development of Persil liquid and powder detergents across MEA, ensuring compliance with regional consumer needs and global quality standards.
  • Partnered closely with marketing teams to align product development with consumer insights, brand positioning, and campaign strategies.
  • Worked on fragrance development and evaluation in collaboration with perfume houses to ensure optimal scent performance and consumer preference.
  • Contributed to brand innovation pipeline by translating consumer demands (whitening, stain removal, fragrance, sustainability) into product concepts



Junior Product Development Manager MEA - Laundry Care

Henkel Dubai
Dubai
01.2020 - 06.2021

Regional (MEA) Laundry Care Product Development Chemist

Henkel Dubai
Dubai
07.2016 - 01.2020
  • Main Responsibilities: N/A

Packaging Specialist

09.2014 - 07.2016

Education

Bachelor of Engineering - Chemical Engineering

American University of Sharjah
09.2009 - 06.2014

Skills

  • Consumer Insights & Market Understanding
  • Product Positioning & Competitive Analysis
  • Fragrance & Sensory Evaluation
  • Marketing Communication & Product Claims
  • Brand Innovation & Launch Support

Languages

Arabic
English

Affiliations

  • Endurance Sports (Triatholon Enthusiast)
  • Kid's Coaching & Connection
  • Meeting new People

Personal Information

Accomplishments

    9 Patents Filed with the Henkel Team

    Fritz Henkel 2022 Award

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Head of R&D HCB (Henkel Consumer Goods) in GCC

Henkel
06.2025 - Current

Product Development Manager for Persil MEA

Henkel Dubai
11.2022 - 05.2025

Junior Product Development Manager MEA - Laundry Care

Henkel Dubai
01.2020 - 06.2021

Regional (MEA) Laundry Care Product Development Chemist

Henkel Dubai
07.2016 - 01.2020

Packaging Specialist

09.2014 - 07.2016

Bachelor of Engineering - Chemical Engineering

American University of Sharjah
09.2009 - 06.2014
Aya Kalou