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MEET THE TEAM
Brought together through a shared passion for food & beverage, our team is multi-lingual and multi-national which creates a truly global culture. As sensory experts, we work on all sensory projects, where size doesn’t matter but quality does. With years of experience advising the largest food & beverage brands, our global sensory team is second to none!
Global Sensory Specialists
Larisa Anno
GLOBAL SENSORY MANAGER
REGION: EMEALANGUAGES: Russian, English, French
My motto is to be in harmony with what you are and what you do.Have got a great experiece in teaching and training people. In 2018 I joined the FlavorActiV Team as a global sensory manager. Here I found a unique philosophy of life and business which gives me a lot of motivation. Each day brings an opportunity to assist our customers in improving the quality of their products.This makes me happy! My educational background is Moscow State Pedagogical University and the University of Surrey. Hobbies are: travelling and communicating with people, Arts and Music.
Nina Zviadadze
GLOBAL SENSORY MANAGER
REGION: EMEALANGUAGES: English, Russian, Georgian
I have worked as a Sensory Specialist of beverages and Food industry since 2018, with extensive experience in Quality Department for the Beer, CSD, Water industry. I have a double master's degree in Organic Chemistry and Food Hygiene. It was a life-changing moment when I started work with FlavorActiV LTD as Global Sensory Manager for Northeastern Europe and the Caucasus, giving support to the customers and deliver sensory training in English, Russian and Georgian.
Nicola Zheng
GLOBAL SENSORY MANAGER
REGION: APACLANGUAGES: Mandarin
Prior to joining FlavorActiV, my professional journey was enriched with experience in both the pharmaceutical and food industries, where I held responsibilities in quality management and training.
I joined FlavorActiv in 2018, as the Global Sensory Manager for Greater China. I provide professional training and support for my customers, and have a lot of sensory and training experience in soft drinks, water, tea, and dairy.
Outside of work, I like baking and cooking. These hobbies not only provide a welcome break from my work routine but also allow me to explore new flavours and techniques, which often find their way back into my professional life, enhancing my ability to understand and appreciate the intricacies of taste and sensory experiences.
Vincentia Smaratika
GLOBAL SENSORY MANAGER
REGION: APACLANGUAGES: Indonesian, English
Have been working as an R&D in F&B company in Indonesia for 5 years before joining FlavorActiV on October 2018. It was a life-changing moment when I met FlavorActiV APAC Director in SenseAsia conference in Malaysia on May 2018. Now I enjoy my role as Global Sensory Manager for Southeast Asia, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, giving support to the customers and deliver sensory training in English or Bahasa Indonesia, also travelling to many countries. I have experiences in delivering sensory training for product category of beer, spirit, soft drink, water, juices, dairy, hard seltzer, energy drink, vitamin drink, coffee, tea, and many more!
Chandrika G. R.
GLOBAL SENSORY MANAGER
REGION: APACLANGUAGES: English, Hindi
For over 20 years I was an Analyst for United Spirits working in various areas from a Chemist to NPD and Sensory. I started working for FlavorActiV in 2018, taking on a different role of Global Sensory Manager. All my life I trained people on methods, validation and quality control but training for Sensory is totally different. I am very proud to be associated with FlavorActiV as it is so diverse and truly global! I am based in India and responsible for the South West Asian nations. I love travelling and am very lucky to be able to see different places and cultures. Whilst specialising in spirits sensory, I am involved in a wide spectrum of food and beverage sectors.
Amanda Wang
GLOBAL SENSORY MANAGER
REGION: GlobalLANGUAGES: Mandarin, English
I am the Global Sensory Manager from China, responsible for the Chinese market. My educational background is in Materials Science and Engineering. Prior to my role at FlavorActiV, I served as a raw material inspector in breweries and beverage companies, and also functioned as a trainer for a duration of four years. Since joining FlavorActiV in 2014, I have conducted numerous sensory training courses. My passion for sensory evaluation has led me to achieve the WSET Level 2 Wine Certification and undertake a Brewing course at Dumens Asia. Furthermore, in 2023, I successfully obtained the WSET Level 2 Spirit Certification. Outside of work, I have a penchant for travelling, and aspire to explore the globe with my children.
Leandro Fedele
GLOBAL SENSORY MANAGER
REGION: AMERICASLANGUAGES: Portuguese, Spanish, English
I have worked as a Sensory Specialist for beverages and food since 2017, but I started with food a long time ago, in 2003. I'm studying coffee as my passion, doing SCA courses (next step will be Authorized SCA Trainer) and also doing a coffee plantation technlogist degree. I love travel (work and vacation) and meet different cultures, making friends and drink a good coffee or a good beer. I love work as a volunteer with homeless people since 2018 in São Paulo, Brazil. My favorite hobies are drink and prepare coffee from the entire world, cooking, craft beer, sports like surf and SUP, and love to play with my dogs.
Michael Conlin
GLOBAL SENSORY MANAGER
REGION: AMERICASLANGUAGES: English
Since graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from DePaul University in 2016, I have enjoyed a rewarding career specializing in sensory solutions to enhance food and beverage quality and innovation. Working with cross-functional teams on a wide range of specialized and everyday products has broadened my perspectives as a consumer and professional. Joining the FlavorActiV team has elevated my ability to deliver the very best sensory solutions to quality brands. I am based in Chicago, Illinois where I enjoy golf, cycling, hockey, and skiing.
Juan Camilo Estrada G.
GLOBAL SENSORY MANAGER
REGION: AMERICASLANGUAGES: English, Spanish
A trained Chemical Engineer, I was born in Colombia and now reside in Medellin - the City of Eternal Spring. Currently finishing my MBA studies, I have been a professor of Mathematics and Chemistry. I have worked in the polyurethane industry and in sectors such as personal care and biotech, where I was responsible for Colombia and the Caribbean islands. I love helping others and serving to build a better place to live, enjoying life with my friends, family, girlfriend and Apolo, my Golden Retriever.
Luis Héctor Valdez
GLOBAL SENSORY MANAGER
REGION: AMERICASLANGUAGES: English, Spanish
I am a qualified Mexican brewmaster who enjoys walking the line between science and art in the brewing and beverage world. With over a decade of experience in the industry, I have come to appreciate that they are not just rigorously analyzed products but also artistic expressions of their creators. Having previously worked with FlavorActiV from 2018 to 2020, I am thrilled to return in 2024 with enriched industry experiences. During my time away, I spearheaded brewing projects that clinched international awards in the Latin American brewing scene and served as a testament to our team's hard work and innovation. Now, I bring my passion for sensory excellence to this dynamic and global role.
Besides brewing, I like to find joy in life's simple pleasures. I savor my pour-over coffee hot, my mezcal at room temperature, my whisky cool, and my beer in any form. I also like spices in my food. In my leisure time, I am a music enthusiast who loves to listen to music, play instruments, or make noise from any object within reach. I also have a penchant for bad (dad?) jokes and puns - the worse, the better!
Deepti S.
GLOBAL SENSORY MANAGER
REGION: APACLANGUAGES: English, Hindi and Kannada.
I am a food technologist with 15+ years of cross functional experience in various food and beverage industries like Coca-Cola, Diageo and Britannia prior to joining FlavorActiv. Sensory Science has been my passion and I enjoy decoding consumer language. Joining FlavorActiv provides me opportunities to explore multiple areas of the food and beverage industry where Sensory Science solutions can make a big difference for quality.
Regional Sales Directors
Dr Boris Gadzov
DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL SENSORY
REGION: GlobalLANGUAGES: Macedonian, Polish, German, Croatian, Serbian, Slovene, Bulgarian, English, Russian
Dr Boris Gadzov has been FlavorActiV Director of Global Sensory Management since 2009. Boris began as a Global Sensory Manager, professional trainer and adviser in brand equity, product quality, insight/innovation and taster management. Boris has visited over 450 plants in beverage and food sector, plus worked with more than 3500 clients in 90+ countries. His significant language skills have helped develop business overseas, and provide global beverage and multi-language support to FlavorActiV’s customers. Before Boris joined FlavorActiV he gained a PhD in Food Molecular Microbiology from the University of Vienna.
Evelyne Canterranne
REGIONAL DIRECTOR, EMEA
REGION: EMEALANGUAGES: French, English
I have 25 years experience as a sensory trainer in the food and beverage sector, with a specialist focus on alcoholic drinks and non-alcoholic drinks. Travelling, meeting new people and developing sensory abilities are my passion. Surprisingly I didn't like beer when I started my first job in the UK doing Brewing and Malty research, but learned to appreciate the diversity of styles and their flavours.
Tina Tian
REGIONAL DIRECTOR, APAC
REGION: APACLANGUAGES: Mandarin, English
Before I joined FlavorActiV as a Global Sensory Manager, I gained a Master degree (MBA) in the UK. I have over 13 years of experience as sensory trainer in food and beverage, and have delivered various sensory training courses and sensory projects. In 2017 I started a new role of APAC Regional Director leading APAC sensory team to help our clients in sensory field from quality to R&D department. I also enjoy travelling and like new sensory ideas in training, testing, and new product development, believing food and beverage bring joy to our daily life.
Dr Kátia Jorge
REGIONAL DIRECTOR, AMERICAS
REGION: AMERICASLANGUAGES: Portuguese, Spanish, English, German
Passionate about sensory throughout my professional life, I joined FlavorActiV in 2011, although the relationship started 10 years earlier as a part-time job, to help develop the market in Brazil. I have a team of sensory specialists who together with me are responsible for the entire continent of America. My educational background includes a graduation in chemical engineering, master science degree in biochemistry and doctorate in food science, besides being brewmaster and beer sommelier. Beer is one of my passions too, so I still find time to brew some beers and participate as professional judge in beer competitions. As a resident of Rio de Janeiro, the beach is my backyard. That´s where I go to meet friends, to swim and to enjoy a good beer after a day of work.
TECHNICAL TEAM
Dale Smith
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
REGION: GlobalLANGUAGES: English
Originally from London but have lived and worked all over the UK and in Singapore, I trained as a Forensic Scientist with Degrees in Forensic Science and Psychology. Working at the UK’s Forensic Science Service for 7 years, specialising in the analysis of Drugs of Abuse, later in the location and recovery of latent fingermarks on evidence. My experience led to me moving into product development within the private sector – novel nanoparticle based fingerprint powders and suspensions that could be interrogated by MALDI-TOF analytical systems for contact residues containing drugs and explosive indicators. At FlavorActiV my role is Technical Director – overseeing product development such as our GMP Flavour Standards and TVS software, research, IT systems, product quality and our focus on human / machine. I’ve been with FlavorActiV for over 10 years where my past skills with analytical and product development have helped in supporting our team and customers.
Hannah Milnes
LABORATORY TECHNICIAN
REGION: GlobalLANGUAGES: English
I joined FlavorActiV having moved from Leicester where I completed my Forensic Science degree and where I am currently working towards my PhD in the treatment of olive oil mill wastewater from Jordan. Having worked with oils during this project, my interest in food and drinks analysis and research grew which lead me to my role here at FlavorActiV. Away from the lab, you’ll find me in a rowing boat on the river somewhere training for races to compete up and down the country with a snack... its usually chocolate that's never too far away!
Mangethe Zwane
GLOBAL FRESHNESS MANAGER
REGION: GlobalLANGUAGES: English
I have a BSc in Chemistry and Soil Science from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, and a Postgraduate Diploma (Hons) in Business Administration from the Wits Business School, South Africa. I have over 12 years’ experience as an analytical chemist in the pharmaceutical industries, catalytic convertors industries, nanotoxicology health research, and brewing research. I have been previously employed by SABMiller improve flavour stability (Beer Freshness) measurement with Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) in the laboratory, within SABMiller I was a subject matter expert on ESR technology and the beer application. I have visited the CAESR lab in Oxford University to present advancements on the ESR measurement of beer flavour stability. Having joined FlavorActiV in 2017, I have been tasked with delivering the Beer freshness program and maintaining the technical support needed to deliver Beer freshness package effectively to customers globally. I have also been instrumental in the development of the new microESR automated system for measuring free radicals in collaboration with Bruker (leading global manufacture of ESR systems). I presented a poster at the EBC 2019 on the advancements of the new microESR system used to assess beer freshness. I have delivered sensory training and commissioned beer freshness systems across four continents and continues to be subject matter expert in the area of beer freshness globally.
Global Supply
Peter Jackson
GLOBAL SUPPLY & PROFICIENCY MANAGER
REGION: GlobalLANGUAGES: English
I started at FlavorActiV in 2015, having come from a background in customer service and logistics. I started as the proficiency administrator before moving on to manage the department; I now run both the Proficiency and Business Support teams. When I’m not in the office, I can usually be found behind a guitar or drum kit, or trying my hardest (and failing) to stay away from the bakeries in my local area.
Sally Pullen
BUSINESS SUPPORT OFFICER
REGION: GlobalLANGUAGES: English
I have worked for FlavorActiV since 2011 in Customer Support part of Commercial Team and I am also a First Aider for the Sensory Centre. My previous roles have been in administration, and I have knowledge of import and export shipping. Outside of FlavorActiV, I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking / baking, walking, reading, and exploring my family’s history within the brewing industry (beer is in my blood).
Sarah Jane Bhagat
PROFICIENCY ADMIN
REGION: GlobalLANGUAGES: English, Welsh
After many years in Hospitality, Sales, Admin and Customer Service I joined FlavorActiv in June 2021 as Proficiency Administrator. In this role I strive to support our Global Team and Customers.
Out of work I thoroughly enjoy cooking, travelling, rugby and golf as well as spending time with family and friends and I have been known to make the odd Pavlova!
Neelam Bhavsar
BUSINESS SUPPORT OFFICER
REGION: GlobalLANGUAGES: English, Gujarati, Hindi
I joined FlavorActiv team in November 2022 as Business Support Assistant and aid customer support team as well as managed and learned a lot about different sectors, products, customers relationship and excellent services. I am so glad to be part of commercial team which is so diverse and supported. In April 2024 I moved into my current role as Business Support officer. I graduated from the M.S.University of Baroda in Accounting & Financial management. In my out of office time, I like to spend quality time with my family, cooking and visiting different places.
Julieta Ziccardi
BUSINESS SUPPORT OFFICER
REGION: GlobalLANGUAGES: Spanish, English and French (intermediate level)
I joined the FlavorActiV in 2024 as Business Support Officer. My professional background is in Human Resources, Retail Banking and Catering.
Outside of work I am a keen cook and baker, which lead me to study at Le Cordon Bleu to complete the Grand Diplome in cuisine and patisserie. I also enjoy spending time with my family, going on walks with my dog, watching movies and reading.
People Performance
Rachael Weait
DIRECTOR OF PEOPLE
REGION: GlobalLANGUAGES: English
I joined FlavorActiV as a shipping administrator in 2013, and from 2016 to 2022, I had the privilege of leading our customer support team—an experience that taught me a great deal about our incredible products, our global customer base, and what “great service” really means in practice. Working so closely with a diverse and passionate international team motivated me to dive deeper into the people side of the business, reigniting a curiosity in people that had previously been sparked in Reading University where I attained a BSc in Psychology. Building on that previous knowledge with my hands on experience in FlavorActiV, I completed a CIPD Level 5 qualification in Human Resources Management. That learning journey now fuels my work as FlavorActiV’s Director of People, where I get to do what I love most: support, champion, and grow our amazing team. My goal is to make sure every FlavorActiV team member feels heard, supported, and empowered to bring their best—because when we thrive, so do our customers. We're a wonderfully multicultural, endlessly curious bunch, and I’m constantly surprised and inspired by the way we learn from one another (even if every casual drink somehow turns into a sensory profiling session!). When I’m not working, I love to bake and experiment with recipes (my tomato soup cake has found its way into office bake sales!) and I enjoy reading a good book – preferably whilst sipping a fresh cup of matcha.
Finance
Amanda Araujo
CREDIT CONTROLLER
REGION: GlobalLANGUAGES: English
I joined the company in 2019 as a Credit Controller being responsible only for the Americas region and now I am responsible for the Americas and Africa regions. My degree in Business Administration helped me to build my background within the finance department working in one of the biggest TV holding companies in Brazil. For the past two years, I left the beach and surf in Rio de Janeiro for the snow and snowboard in Canada. In my free time, I like to explore the different provinces of Canada and enjoying the day at a ski resort with a nice beer or wine.
Conor Fleming
FINANCE MANAGER
REGION: GlobalLANGUAGES: English
I have been working in Accountancy for 7 years, and I am qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant. I began working with FlavorActiv in 2022, producing monthly management accounts for the board. In addition to my work with FlavorActiv I work in a local Accountancy Practice, managing a portfolio of clients across a variety of industries and taxes. In my spare time I enjoy playing football, going to the gym, and socialising with friends & family.
Marketing
Tom Brown
MARKETING DIRECTOR
REGION: GlobalLANGUAGES: English
I joined the FlavorActiV team in 2019 as a Global Sensory Manager for EMEA, delivering sensory training across Europe and Africa and supporting global customers in the food and beverage sector. In 2022, I moved into the role of Head of Global Marketing & Strategy, helping shape our product and market strategy while overseeing our global marketing efforts. As of April 2025, I’ve taken on the role of Marketing Director. This new position involves not only leading our global marketing function but also aligning it more closely with our commercial and strategic goals. My focus is on driving brand growth, ensuring consistency in our messaging across regions, and identifying opportunities to grow our presence in both established and emerging food and beverage markets. Coming from a craft beer background, I am a self-confessed beer geek at heart, with a special weakness for fancy coffee. I love anything outdoors related, especially if it involves charging down a mountain on a snowboard! In the kitchen – the spicier the better (although I have drawn the line in putting chilli flakes on my morning porridge...for now).
Isabel Eade
GLOBAL MARKETING COORDINATOR
REGION: GlobalLANGUAGES: English.
With a background in hospitality, I had taken an interest in Wine and was keen to study beyond the label - allowing me to expand my knowledge and enhance our customer experience. My interest in Food & Beverage, specifically Wine, is what brought me to FlavorActiV in 2024 as their Wine Sensory Specialist. This role will allow me to continue to learn about all things sensory across a broad range of sectors. Outside of the office, you will find me trying new foods, exploring new countries and places. I have even been known to say yes to a skydive or two!
Board of Directors
Richard Boughton
CEO
REGION: GlobalLANGUAGES: English
Born in Liverpool, a Beatles fan who decided to train as a brewer after both my father and grandfather. Hence after graduating in Microbiology, I later qualified as a Master Brewer in a major brewing Company followed by being self employed in a small family business providing equipment to breweries. The experience gained led to developing a number of small and continuing diverse businesses across industry such as Business Centres and Accountancy Practice. My main role however has been to lead FlavorActiV for 20 years where I continue as CEO today, supported by our globally based leadership team. This has been an exciting journey developing our customers’ tasting skills in order to assess their brand quality in breweries, beverage plants and now food manufacturers My hobbies are many including real tennis, golf, skiing, motor sport and cooking. Until Covid I travelled almost weekly across the globe to support our regional teams and local customers which provided a great “window on the world”.
Marie Pohler
COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR
REGION: GlobalLANGUAGES: Taiwanese, English & Mandarin
I hold a double degree in Economics and Psychology from The Ohio State University, USA. I started working at FlavorActiV in 2009 and have gone through a series of role change. I worked as a sensory manager, then key account director for 7 years until I moved into my commercial director role in 2018. My days at FlavorActiV keep me very busy in overseeing the divisions of marketing, finance, business support & proficiency management as well as some key account management responsibilities. That said, I am fortunate enough to be supported by a very capable team. In addition to my work at FlavorActiV, I also co-chair a sensory committee at ISBT ( International Society of Beverage Technologists ) as well as their BevTech Europe planning committee. Although I was born in Taiwan, I have spent 2/3 of my life living in the US and the UK. When I’m not working, I enjoy travelling, meeting people of different cultures, Asian & fusion cooking, country walks, Jazz, Yoga and exploring food & drinks pairing with friends and families.
Dr Boris Gadzov
DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL SENSORY
REGION: GlobalLANGUAGES: Macedonian, Polish, German, Croatian, Serbian, Slovene, Bulgarian, English, Russian
Dr Boris Gadzov has been FlavorActiV Director of Global Sensory Management since 2009. Boris began as a Global Sensory Manager, professional trainer and adviser in brand equity, product quality, insight/innovation and taster management. Boris has visited over 450 plants in beverage and food sector, plus worked with more than 3500 clients in 90+ countries. His significant language skills have helped develop business overseas, and provide global beverage and multi-language support to FlavorActiV’s customers. Before Boris joined FlavorActiV he gained a PhD in Food Molecular Microbiology from the University of Vienna.
Dale Smith
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
REGION: GlobalLANGUAGES: English
Originally from London but have lived and worked all over the UK and in Singapore, I trained as a Forensic Scientist with Degrees in Forensic Science and Psychology. Working at the UK’s Forensic Science Service for 7 years, specialising in the analysis of Drugs of Abuse, later in the location and recovery of latent fingermarks on evidence. My experience led to me moving into product development within the private sector – novel nanoparticle based fingerprint powders and suspensions that could be interrogated by MALDI-TOF analytical systems for contact residues containing drugs and explosive indicators. At FlavorActiV my role is Technical Director – overseeing product development such as our GMP Flavour Standards and TVS software, research, IT systems, product quality and our focus on human / machine. I’ve been with FlavorActiV for over 10 years where my past skills with analytical and product development have helped in supporting our team and customers.
Chris Shennan
CFO
REGION: GlobalLANGUAGES: English
Born in London, I studied Accountancy & Finance at University, and went on to qualify as a Chartered Certified Accountant. I have been working with with FlavorActiV since 2010, on a largely part time basis, offering CFO & NED support to the board. In addition to my work with FlavorActiV I sit on the board as either CEO or NED for a number of SME’s, and run an Accountancy Practice covering the home counties. Outside of work, I am a keen footballer, and runner, having completed my first marathon in 2023.
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