Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
INDUSTRY RECOGNITION & AFFILIATIONS
FEATURED IN
Timeline
Generic

Geraldine C. Molina

Sparta,NJ

Summary

Product innovation executive with 20+ years of experience behind category defining, award winning prestige makeup, complexion, skin-care, and fragrance launches that have shaped modern beauty. Expert in translating creative founder vision and evolving community expectations into rigorous formula briefs, precise shade architecture, and high performance, launch ready innovations that drive editorial relevance, retail demand, and consumer enthusiasm. Builder of market leading innovation pipelines that convert globally, intentionally scaling portfolios and delivering 30%+ in revenue YOY through industry disrupting launches. Known for setting uncompromising product and performance standards, building high functioning teams, and partnering with leading raw material houses, formulation labs and manufacturers to deliver first to market technologies at scale.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience

Work History

Vice President, Product Development & Innovation

MERIT BEAUTY
01.2022 - Current

Executive leader of global product development and innovation, partnering with the founder and executive team to translate creative vision into scalable, high-performance product systems, while shaping formula strategy, shade architecture, and portfolio expansion to anticipate shifting consumer needs, differentiate in a crowded prestige landscape, and uphold best-in-class performance standards across all product pillars.

  • Own enterprise innovation strategy and full product lifecycle across all categories, delivering $200M+ in revenue impact through award-winning, high-performance launches that consistently outperform prestige benchmarks
  • Key driver in scaling the brand into the Top 15 at Sephora, achieving “Super Surge” status; accelerated retail velocity, sell-through, and cultural relevance through multiple #1 SKUs, including the #1 Foundation Stick and #1 Anti-Aging Serum, reinforcing leadership across categories
  • Set and uphold global standards across formula performance, texture, finish, and wear, ensuring consistency and product excellence across all launches
  • Lead advanced complexion strategy spanning undertone accuracy, inclusive shade systems, and skin-realistic performance across categories, including OTC
  • Oversee a global network of formulation partners, manufacturers, and raw material innovators, unlocking breakthrough textures and first-to-market technologies
  • Implement rigorous stage-gate discipline, ensuring all concepts are refined, pressure-tested, and aligned to founder expectations prior to approval
  • Partner cross-functionally with Marketing, Packaging, Finance, and Commercial teams to align innovation with brand vision and operational goals, consistently exceeding margin and EBITDA targets
  • Drive portfolio strategy and lifecycle governance, maintaining a tightly edited assortment while expanding into high-impact growth categories
  • Build and lead a high-performing Product Development organization, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and product craftsmanship
  • Champion a culture of product obsession where performance, refinement, and detail define every decision from lab bench to shelf

Head of Research & Innovation

GLOSSIER
01.2018 - 01.2022

Led technical product innovation, translating founder vision into disciplined innovation strategy, global manufacturing execution, and end-to-end commercialization frameworks within a high-growth, digitally native brand

  • Partnered directly with the founder and executive leadership to translate brand vision into product architecture, innovation direction, and category expansion strategy
  • Built and scaled global formulation, testing, and regulatory systems enabling international expansion and manufacturing consistency
  • Defined and implemented structured development frameworks balancing innovation speed, product integrity, regulatory compliance, and cost discipline
  • Directed innovation sourcing strategy, identifying and integrating emerging technologies, materials, and global supplier capabilities
  • Led technical transfer, pilot production, and commercialization scale-up across global manufacturing network
  • Resolved complex formulation and production challenges across global partners to ensure launch readiness and performance consistency

Director, Research & Development / Product Development

DIMENSIONAL MERCHANDISING INC.
01.2012 - 01.2018

Partnered with global brands and executive stakeholders to translate consumer and market insights into high-performance, commercially viable formulation systems and product platforms.

  • Directed formulation creation across a broad portfolio of personal care and cosmetic products, from concept ideation through final launch across global markets
  • Partnered with executive stakeholders and global clients to define product strategy, line extensions, and brand positioning across prestige and mass segments
  • Developed trend-driven formulation concepts and innovation proposals to drive new business opportunities and strengthen long-term client partnerships
  • Established strategic relationships with global raw material suppliers to develop differentiated active systems and performance-driven formulations
  • Served as key member of executive leadership team evaluating technical feasibility and commercial viability of new business opportunities
  • Managed laboratory resources including staffing, raw material partnerships, and technical infrastructure to support innovation throughput and development efficiency
  • Drove significant business growth, increasing formula development revenue by 150% (2016) and 250% (2018)
  • Led successful commercial launches with global and prestige partners including Tarte, Milk Makeup, First Aid Beauty, Elizabeth Arden, L’Oréal Paris, CoverGirl, and Perricone MD

R&D Chemist

COTY INC.
01.2004 - 01.2007

Formulated and scaled color cosmetic and complexion formulations across Coty global prestige and legacy brands

  • Executed full formulation lifecycle including stability testing, performance validation, and manufacturing scale-up
  • Supported pilot plant and production teams in commercialization of new product technologies
  • Contributed to global brand portfolios including Rimmel, Lancaster, Margaret Astor, and Miss Sporty

Education

M.S. - Cosmetic Science

Fairleigh Dickinson University

B.S. - Biotechnology, Biochemistry

Rutgers University

Skills

  • Founder Vision Translation & Artistry-Led Development
  • Complexion Innovation (Undertones, Shade Architecture, Performance)
  • Global Product Development & Stage-Gate Leadership
  • Formula & Texture Innovation
  • Innovation Pipeline Strategy
  • Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Global Regulatory & Quality Compliance
  • Strategic Vendor & Lab Partnerships
  • Prestige Retail Launch Strategy
  • Consumer-Driven Product Development

INDUSTRY RECOGNITION & AFFILIATIONS

Allure Best of Beauty, Harper's Bazaar Beauty Icon, Harper's Bazaar UK Best of the Best, Who What Wear 100 Beauty Awards, NewBeauty Annual Beauty Awards, Oprah Beauty O-wards, Society of Cosmetic Chemists New York Chapter (NYSCC), Member, Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW), Member & Beauty Creator Awards Judge (2021)

FEATURED IN

  • Vogue Business
  • The Cut
  • The Zoe Report
  • Cosmetics Business

Timeline

Vice President, Product Development & Innovation

MERIT BEAUTY
01.2022 - Current

Head of Research & Innovation

GLOSSIER
01.2018 - 01.2022

Director, Research & Development / Product Development

DIMENSIONAL MERCHANDISING INC.
01.2012 - 01.2018

R&D Chemist

COTY INC.
01.2004 - 01.2007

B.S. - Biotechnology, Biochemistry

Rutgers University

M.S. - Cosmetic Science

Fairleigh Dickinson University
Geraldine C. Molina
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