SAM - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Strategy and Commercial Consultant
Andrew has worked in the market research industry for over 30 years. For the first 10 years, Andrew was on the client-side, working for Nestle Rowntree and Boots. Since then, he has owned, managed and grown research agencies for over 20 years. Andrew's role at SAM is to help the Leadership Team and employees with all things commercial, including Strategic Planning, Marketing, Business Development and Innovation.
Outside of work, Andrew enjoys family time with his wife and three children. He also tries to keep fit by cycling and watches plenty of sport with his family and friends.
Job Titles:
- International Business Line Director
Eva completed her MSC in International Business from LSBU, London. She has more than 20 years' experience in market research in different international executive roles. Since 2020, she has been managing SAM.
Born in Barcelona and based in Hamburg, Eva is forever trying to learn German. She loves travelling and dining out to explore cuisines from around the world. She keeps fit by running in airports, where she can be often spotted trying not to miss a flight!
Job Titles:
- Senior Key Account Manager
Isabelle holds a double Master's degree in Food Sciences and Statistics from Agrocampus Ouest.
A "Sammy" since 2000, she is responsible for managing several key accounts. With expertise in both consumer research and sensory science, Isabelle loves consulting with her clients and developing ad hoc solutions to ensure their products' success.
In her spare time, Isabelle likes everything that is manual: sewing, mosaic making, cooking - but her favourite is baking patisserie goods or just having a good time with her three boys and husband playing board games.
Jane completed her Food Science degree at the University of Reading. Jane's career with SAM started with panel leading during her placement year. After graduating, Jane returned to SAM and continued to lead multiple sensory panels alongside consumer research. She moved into the home and personal care category leading both sensory and consumer projects. Nowadays, Jane manages all FMCG categories both in panel and with end users. She enjoys the variety of projects that come across her desk.
Job Titles:
- Support Services Director
Jean-Marc holds a Master's degree in Chemistry and Quality from the University of Marseille. In 1999, while working for Eurofins Scientific Group, he created Eurofins' first sensory evaluation business unit.
After 20 years of growth and acquisitions in the Group, he is now managing all support services, as well as teams in the areas of finance, administration, data processing, digitalisation, quality, general services, and consumer panel development.
Outside of work, Jean-Marc loves contemporary art and doesn't skip a single exhibition, gallery, or museum during a trip abroad.
Job Titles:
- Research Director - Sensory
Joshua graduated as an Agronomy Engineer specialised in Food Science in Montpellier. She began her career in research, first for the French Research Institute INRA and afterwards for Firmenich. If you're curious about the Impact of Fruit Piece Structure in Yogurts on the Dynamics of Aroma Release and Sensory Perception, you should read the article she wrote!
Joshua manages the sensory project managers team across different facilities that are continuously applying different sensory methodologies to handle panel experts' session preparation and animation for both routine studies with dedicated panels and for ad-hoc projects.
She would love to install a beehive on her small Parisian terrace or on SAM's roof to make honey to give away as gifts!
Job Titles:
- Head of Consumer Insights
Kevin joined SAM right after obtaining his diploma at ONIRIS, Food Industry Engineering school in Nantes, in 2011.
He is an expert in statistical and consumer data analysis and is able to give precise recommendations to clients to make great products. As a Head of Consumer Insights, he also works on homogenising SAM's expertise and research techniques across all project teams, optimising processes, and developing new analytical and study methodologies.
Kevin is so passionate about his job that he has experienced product development himself, producing his own cheeses at home! His bathroom was sealed off for few weeks, both during and after, but it was worth trying!
Job Titles:
- Head of Sensory and Consumer Research
Laura started her career in 2010, first in FMCG companies, before joining SAM. She provides high-level consultancy to SAM clients on best approaches for successful products, as well as leading and coaching our client service teams. Holding a Master's degree in Food Sciences and Applied Statistics, she also loves to dive deep into data analysis.
After having to postpone her wedding twice because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Laura spends her free time taking care of her two little girls and dreaming about her upcoming honeymoon. Hopefully, in 2022, they will finally tie the knot!
Lise holds a Master's degree in Sensory Analysis from the University of Burgundy. She holds the Research Chair position at the ESN European Sensory Network and is leading standardization in Sensory Analysis worldwide through her positions as a Chairwoman of Sensory Analysis committees at AFNOR French Standardization Association and at ISO International Standardization Organization.
Lise has also been an Associate Professor in Sensory and Consumer Sciences for Innovation at Tours University in France since 2005.
She is a true Parisian and loves everything about her home city: the smell of rain on concrete in early spring, driving in narrow streets or shopping in busy places…
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Team
- Managing Director France
Marion completed her PhD in Sociology from Sorbonne University. She has strong experience in project management and is passionate about consumers' habits and choices. Before joining SAM France, Marion was a project manager in different companies in the food and cosmetic industries.
She is the happy Managing Director of the French business, with facilities in six different cities and a wonderful team of 120 people.
She loves living in Paris (she no longer lives in the city centre, but don't remind her!) and enjoys seeing the city speeding around on her electric bicycle.
Job Titles:
- International Business Development Director
Martin holds a Master's degree in Enology and a Ph.D. in Agricultural Science. He joined SAM in 2005 and has held diverse management and shareholder positions, driving the company's success over the years. In his position as International Business Development Director, Martin is managing and implementing SAM's global commercial strategy, ensuring SAM continues to be at the forefront of innovation and supports our clients in their success.
Prior to joining SAM, Martin had different leading positions in the beverages industry, among them owning a sparkling wine estate in Spain for more than seven years. Since Martin has an affinity for wine, he likes to invite friends over for dinner, and… excellent wines.
Nicola is a Biochemist who began her career as a research scientist at the Mars Petcare Science Institute. She then worked in claims substantiation and innovation for over 10 years at Walgreens Boots Alliance, most recently leading a team specializing in clinical and consumer testing of skincare and cosmetic products. As a Research Director, Nicola is responsible for fieldwork and consumer recruitment.
Outside of work, Nicola sings in a choir and loves to annoy her two children by practicing around the house. A trip to the theatre followed by a meal is her ideal night out.
Job Titles:
- Human Resources Manager
- Computer Science Engineer
Nisha is a Computer Science Engineer and holds an MBA degree in Human Resources.
Having lived and worked in Asia, Africa and Europe, Nisha started her career 12 years ago and has worked in different sectors before joining SAM. She is passionate about Talent Management, Learning and Development and Organizational Design.
She comes from the city of Chandigarh, situated on the foothills of Himalayas and designed by the French architect Le Corbusier. She loves to read, travel and explore different cultures. She would like to learn French patisserie one day!
Job Titles:
- Managing Director Italy
- Managing Director of SAM Italy
Paolo studied Medicine and Economics at the Universities of Pisa and Parma respectively.
But his passion for food and wine have driven his interest to the sensory science world.
Paolo is the Managing Director of SAM Italy, based in Milan, since its foundation in 2002. He has a strong background in consulting in sensory and consumer research and in client service, having built very strong relationships with the major companies in Italy.
The seaside village in Tuscany, where he comes from, influenced his choice to live in front of a lake: from the saltwater to the freshwater!
Patricia Silva holds a Ph.D. in Sensory Science and Consumer Behaviour by Wageningen University in the Netherlands. Since 2012, she has being working in sensory and consumer science, experiencing both academic and industrial research.
She is an expert on measuring emotions as a tool to understand consumers food choices and consumption habits. Patricia is the Managing Director of the Spanish Entity in Barcelona, Spain. She loves traveling, hiking and discovering new places to enjoy food and a drink or two with friends.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Team
- Research Director - Retail
Peggy supports manufacturers, suppliers and distributors in the development and quality control of their products. Since achieving a MSc degree in Sensory Science in 1999, she has been supervising different teams both in fieldwork and customer service. Peggy is an expert member at AFNOR, the French Standardization Association. Lead by Peggy, her team are experienced in applying sensory science and consumer research methodologies across all industries.
Are your products in Peggy's shopping cart? Peggy loves to discover and try the latest products on the market!
Job Titles:
- Managing Director Germany
Sebastian holds a Diploma in Psychology from the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Germany.
He has around 20 years of experience in market research, working alongside some of the world's top brands in FMCG, household goods, OTC and the automotive industry. Sebastian has extensive experience in insight-based brand strategy and product development - and a strong passion for data visualisation. He is managing the SAM business in Germany, which has two facilities in Hamburg and Munich.
With three teenage children, Sebastian has grown to become an expert on Hip Hop, Billie Eilish and all kinds of anime. He loves cooking - even though he is not necessarily very good at it.
Simon has 17 years' experience of NPD research and client consulting in FMCG in addition to 10 years' client-side experience at Mondelez International and Cadbury Ltd. Simon joined SAM in 2015. As Director, Simon is responsible for leading the sensory and consumer research activities, working closely with clients and colleagues alike.
Outside of work Simon enjoys watching live sport and music and can often be found in the garden.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Team
- Field Director
- Food Engineer
Stéphane Clément is a Food Engineer specialised in Food Science and Process from AgroParisTech. After 10 years in different food companies, he joined SAM and is currently a Field Director. In this role, Stéphane manages a large number of facilities, working closely with our Site Managers and a very large team of fantastic collaborators.
"Nothing is impossible, and all problems get a solution" is his motto. He thrives on brainteasers such as logistic nightmares or complex fieldworks. Chocolate is his fuel, and his team knows it well. Fortunately, there is never lack of it our SAM facilities!
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Team
- Managing Director Switzerland
Thomas Alex completed his Master's degree in Food Engineering from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich.
He has a great passion for food and is always up to date with the newest trends and innovations. He has a great deal of experience at national and leading multinational companies in the food and food supplier industry. He is fluent in German, English, French and Italian. Thomas is Managing Director of the Swiss Entities located in Zurich and Lausanne, and since he joined SAM in 2001, he has worked on all types of national and international projects for all kinds of products.
Job Titles:
- Managing Director United Kingdom
Tracey has a Food Science degree from the University of Reading which is where her interest in Sensory Science began. She is also a Registered Sensory Scientist with the IFST for which she is an active member of the Sensory Science Group. Tracey loves the variety of clients and projects that the business brings as well as our unique community of colleagues.
Yann holds a Master's degree in Sensory Analysis from the University of Burgundy in Dijon. He started his career as a Sensory Scientist on the client side, working for different global companies, and joined SAM in 2008.
He has 20 years of experience in FMCG and the automotive industry, and extensive know-how in test design conception, statistics and product optimisation. As a Research Director, he is also responsible for leading and developing the project management team.
Physical activities are an essential part of Yann's life. He therefore spends most of his leisure time outside (mainly in the mountains) with his family and friends. And even at home, Yann can't just stay inactive and has become a passionate "DIYer"!