Beiersdorf names new R&D head
As of October this year one of Beiersdorf’s most important divisions will get new management due to Professor Wittern’s retirement.
Having been at Beiersdorf since 1977, Klaus-Peter has led Research & Development in the company since 1998, and his name is connected to numerous product innovations in the field of skin care.
These include, among others, the use of the skin's own Q10 as an ingredient in skin care products as well as the development of Nivea Black & White Deodorant; the most successful new product in over 130 years of the company’s history.
"We thank Professor Wittern for his important contributions to the success of our company. [He] influenced and fostered our company's power for innovation to a great extent. The company owes him a great deal,” says Stefan F. Heidenreich, CEO of Beiersdorf.
Successor
His successor, Dr. May Shana'a, has many years of experience in research and development, which she acquired in management positions in internationally active companies.
For 20 years she worked in skin care and cosmetics, and most recently led the global R&D organization of Ashland Specialty Ingredients (ASI), located in Bridgewater, USA.
Before that, Lebanese-born Shana'a assumed international leadership positions in the research departments of Johnson & Johnson, and at Unilever in the company locations in Italy, the U.S. and in the UK.
"We are very happy that we could win over Dr. Shana'a to Beiersdorf. With her vast wealth of experience in global R&D management she will advance product innovations and give further stimulus to the regional focus already started in our Research & Development," says Board Member Ralph Gusko, Brands.
