Lesaffre, a global key player in fermentation and microorganisms, announces the appointment of Rania Abou Samra as Chief RD&I Officer. In this role, she joins the Group’s Executive Committee.
Rania Abou Samra has more than 20 years of experience implementing initiatives in the food and consumer health sectors. She has solid expertise in translating science and technology into innovations, as well as in using artificial intelligence-based tools, highlighting differentiating technologies, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to develop innovative products that meet market demands. In her previous roles, she launched numerous science-based innovations, thereby contributing to the company’s growth and the industry’s reputation.
“I share Lesaffre’s conviction that fermentation is a key technology for sustainable innovation. RD&I is a driving force that enables us to support our customers, anticipate food and environmental transitions, and transform scientific knowledge into concrete, sustainable solutions. I am delighted to bring my 20 years of experience in the food and healthcare industries to Lesaffre, and I look forward to working alongside the Group’s experts, customers, and partners to continue bringing safer and more sustainable solutions to market.”said Rania Abou Samra.
“For us, investing in science has always been a deliberate choice, as we firmly believe that today’s research lays the foundation for tomorrow’s products and services, harnessing the unlimited potential of fermentation. This commitment to innovation drives the daily work of Lesaffre’s R&D experts worldwide and within the Lesaffre Institute of Science and Technology on our Campus. Our capacity for innovation enables us to support our clients by closely addressing their needs and to offer solutions to the societal and environmental challenges we all face. Rania’s expertise provides our RD&I teams with new keys to accelerate innovation in our strategic sectors—food, health, and biotech” adds Brice-Audren Riché, Lesaffre CEO.
Rania’s Background
Rania is a Nutritionist and has a PhD in Appetite regulation and Nutrition from the University of Toronto, Canada. Joining Nestlé in 2007 as a Clinical Research Scientist in Switzerland, Rania has progressed through various R&D roles over the next 18 years. During this time, she has held positions as Global Science & Nutrition Manager, Global Research & Development Manager in Nestlé Health Science in Switzerland, and Global Director of Science and Technology. She was then appointed VP Research & Development for Vital Proteins, based in the US, before being named VP and Global Head of Technology and Product Development, as well as Head of R&D US, in Nestlé Health Science.
Since April 2024, she has served as VP and Head of Innovation and R&D for Nestlé Middle East and North Africa based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Under Rania’s leadership, the Lesaffre Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) teams will continue to explore the unlimited potential of microorganisms and fermentation, drawing on cutting-edge technologies and solid scientific expertise to support all of the Group’s activities.
