Ali Merino

About Ali Merino

I’m a results-driven beauty industry leader with deep expertise in product development, packaging innovation, and operations. Over the course of my career, I’ve led global cross-functional teams, launched hundreds of award-winning products, and built scalable systems that drive efficiency and growth. My experience spans concept-to-shelf management across skincare, color, and haircare — from indie start-ups to established global brands. I’m passionate about transforming ideas into high-performing products that resonate with consumers and move the industry forward.

Experience

1. Executive Director of Development

   Element Group Usa

   Nov 2021 — Present

   Full ownership of end-to-end beauty product launches including packaging sourcing, formula development, timelines, and costing from conception through production.•Lead and manage teams across the U.S, Korea, and Italy (Product Developers, Chemists, Operations, Project Managers, and Packaging Managers).• Build and maintain strong relationships with packaging factories and contract manufacturers.•Developed innovative formulations based on trends for tradeshows and customer presentations.•Work directly with founders, executives, and stakeholders to strategize new brand launches.•Increased Turnkey sales from $1.5M to $5M in 2 years.•Oversaw upwards of 150 projects simultaneously, supporting 70–100 active daily.•Designed and implemented SOPs, systems, and tools: o Custom Excel-based quote and reverse quote forms for pricing accuracy. o Standardized timeline templates across all project types. o SOPs covering client brief intake, lab briefings, packaging supplier briefings, and all project management process steps. o Implemented CRM and project tracking tools (ClickUp, Salesforce, Smartsheets).•Managed launches across skincare, color cosmetics, haircare, and body care, covering packaging, formulas, cartons, and labels.•Highlight: Spearheaded creation of a beauty brand with ergonomic packaging for consumers with dexterity challenges — winner of industry awards.•Highlight: Utilized proprietary raw materials to develop tools and formulas for a well-known skincare brand, driving innovation and brand differentiation.

Education

• Buffalo State University

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Mathematics

  2003 — 2007

• Canisius University

  Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Marketing

  2007 — 2010