John has a strong background and reputation in the European e-cigarette industry, having held senior executive positions in some of the US and Europe’s biggest companies. As Managing Director of Dyflin Group Consulting, he advises many leading industry analysts, financial institutions and media organisations looking at the vaping and CBD sectors. John is also Director-General and one of the founders of the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA), the UK’s largest vaping Industry association and has advised the UK governments All Party Parliamentary Group on Vaping as well as giving evidence before the UK Science & Technology Committee investigation into the Vaping industry and the Australian Parliaments review on vaping.
John regularly appears on national television, radio as well as national and international print media. John is a popular guest speaker at many of the world’s leading conventions.
Alexandra is a MEA specialist on Tobacco at Euromonitor International. Based in Dubai, she has more than six year of international experience in research and more than two years of working in the industry.
Alexandra is responsible for Euromonitor’s engagements with the leading players in the industry across MEA. She has a deep understanding of Tobacco dynamic and the most recent trends, including New Generation Products and their role in particular markets.
Alexandra advises clients across a range of Tobacco categories on the impact of local and global trends and has a special interest in consumer behavior, demographic environment, channel distribution, HoReCa, sustainability and inflation in emerging markets.
Regulatory disruption and shifting trade dynamics now represent the most significant strategic risks facing the nicotine and harm reduction industries. From flavour and disposable bans to new tax regimes, tariffs, import controls and heightened IP enforcement, companies must navigate an increasingly fragmented and unpredictable global landscape.
This panel brings together regulatory, policy and supply chain experts to examine how evolving global regulations and trade policies are reshaping product design, compliance strategies, market access and innovation. Panellists will share practical approaches for building agile, compliant supply chains; adapting packaging, marketing and product portfolios; and managing cross-border and geopolitical risks. The discussion will also highlight the key policy drivers influencing decision-makers today and identify emerging threats and opportunities to watch over the next 12 months—equipping businesses to future-proof operations and sustain harm reduction progress amid ongoing uncertainty.
Session Speakers
John has a strong background and reputation in the European e-cigarette industry, having held senior executive positions in some of the US and Europe’s biggest companies. As Managing Director of Dyflin Group Consulting, he advises many leading industry analysts, financial institutions and media organisations looking at the vaping and CBD sectors. John is also Director-General and one of the founders of the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA), the UK’s largest vaping Industry association and has advised the UK governments All Party Parliamentary Group on Vaping as well as giving evidence before the UK Science & Technology Committee investigation into the Vaping industry and the Australian Parliaments review on vaping.
John regularly appears on national television, radio as well as national and international print media. John is a popular guest speaker at many of the world’s leading conventions.
Mohammad Agrabawi is the Managing Partner of Specter Advisory.
He is a seasoned expert in regulatory affairs, corporate communications, and government relations, with deep knowledge of the political, regulatory, and fiscal landscape of the Middle East. He began his career as a Jordanian diplomat, serving as Assistant to the Chief of Protocol and later as Consul at the Jordanian embassies in Cairo and Abu Dhabi.
Agrabawi subsequently led corporate affairs and communications at Philip Morris International Jordan and the Public Authority for Anti-Smoking, as well as at JUUL Labs MENA and ANDS, shaping policy and market strategies across the region. In each role, he demonstrated a rare ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and align corporate interests with government priorities.
With extensive experience bridging the public and private sectors, Agrabawi is recognized for his leadership and his capacity to operate effectively across the diverse commercial and political environments of the Middle East. He brings to Specter Advisory a deep network of government and industry relationships built over decades of senior-level engagement throughout the region.
Sydney Hiller, Ph.D., specializes in navigating evolving regulatory and scientific challenges in the pharmaceutical, medical device, and consumer products industries across dynamic, global environments. Sydney has a proven track record of success integrating scientific rigor with regulatory strategy to support innovative product development, regulatory submission and market entry, and ongoing compliance in challenging sectors including tobacco harm reduction and cannabis. Her ability to distill intricate scientific concepts into actionable plans has consistently driven success in these high-stakes, regulated environments. Sydney received her Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Southern California and her B.A. from New York University. During her studies, she worked under Raphael Mechoulam, commonly known as the father of cannabis research. In addition to her active participation in numerous professional societies, Sydney is passionate about advancing women in STEM fields. She has served as a mentor for both Women in Science & Engineering (WiSE) and Women in Chemistry (WiC) and is a member of Organization of Women in Nicotine and Tobacco (OWNiT).
Tim Phillips is the Founder of Tamarind Intelligence, a global independent market and regulatory intelligence service providing data for businesses operating in a number of fast-moving consumer sectors facing regulatory change, including vape, cannabis and tobacco alternatives. Tamarind Intelligence provides market leading insights and regulatory tracking for clients ranging from governments and academic institutions to multinational companies and professional service providers.
Phillips is a UK-qualified attorney, having worked at the European Commission, international law firm Herbert Smith Freehills, media companies BSkyB and AOL, and Betfair (now Flutter Entertainment), where he ran global public affairs as the company went through its IPO. He was also a partner in a New York venture capital-funded start-up in the diamond sector. Tim holds a postgraduate diploma in legal practice from the University of Law, London and a masters degree in geology from Oxford University. He has run Tamarind Intelligence for the past 11 years.
Ray Naga Fajar Jessica serves in External Affairs at the Association of Indonesian E-liquid Producers (PPEI), with a primary focus on regulatory affairs, policy developments, and stakeholder engagement.
Her work involves navigating Indonesia's evolving regulatory landscape, engaging with government institutions and industry stakeholders, and addressing policy challenges affecting the e-liquid sector.
Through her role at PPEI, Jessica brings an Indonesian industry perspective to discussions on regulatory developments, international trade, and market access, particularly in the context of an evolving global nicotine regulatory environment.
Djaka Kusmartata serves as the Director of Excise Technical Affairs and Facilities at Indonesia's Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DGCE), Ministry of Finance, following his appointment on 28 January 2026.
Throughout his career, he has held several strategic leadership positions, including Head of the DGCE Regional Offices in Maluku and South Sulawesi, as well as roles in customs and excise policy at the Fiscal Policy Agency.
His extensive experience in policy formulation, regulatory administration, and institutional leadership has contributed to his understanding of Indonesia's customs and excise framework. His involvement in international customs forums further brings a broader perspective to discussions on regulatory developments and cross-border trade.
This session examines the next generation of vaping products and the technologies shaping their development. Data-driven insights and new technologies are enabling greater device personalization, improved safety features, and more sustainable products. A panel of leading manufacturers and industry experts will discuss innovations aimed at restricting youth access, meeting adult consumer needs, and advancing users along the harm-reduction continuum.
Session Speakers
Daria Votinova is a business development and market intelligence professional with experience across the novel nicotine, consumer electronics, and emerging technology sectors. She works at the intersection of commercial strategy, market research, product innovation, and project management.
Daria also moderates international industry panels, facilitating discussions on regulation, science, innovation, market development, and industry standards.
Ross Donovan is the Global Head of Commercialization for eVapor at Philip Morris International (PMI), where he leads the global rollout and scaling of next-generation, smoke-free products. With over 17 years of international experience spanning business leadership, strategy, and finance, he has a proven track record of driving growth, innovation, and transformation in dynamic and fast-evolving markets.
Since joining PMI in 2014, Ross has played a pivotal role in advancing the company’s transformation toward a smoke-free future. He has held senior leadership positions across Switzerland, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait, gaining broad exposure to diverse markets and operating environments. Most recently, as General Manager of Kuwait, he led the successful launch of IQOS ILUMA and VEEV, positioning the market at the forefront of PMI’s multi-category smoke-free ambitions. Prior to this, as Head of Strategy for the Maghreb cluster, he drove a significant business and organizational transformation to prepare for the introduction of smoke-free products.
Before joining PMI, Ross began his career at Procter & Gamble, where he held roles of increasing responsibility in finance and strategy across multiple product categories. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in the launch of Oral-B toothpaste and toothbrushes across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Ross holds a Master of Arts in Economics and Management from the University of Oxford, graduating with first-class honours. He is passionate about talent development and is an active mentor, committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders within the organization.
Maryna Gudym is the Business Development Director at Wingle Group Electronics Limited, a market and business intelligence consultancy specializing in Reduced Risk Products (RRP). She focuses on market trends and developments across the RRP landscape, monitoring and analysing emerging technologies, innovative devices, and next-generation solutions. Her work supports strategic decision-making through data-driven insights, competitive intelligence, and forward-looking market prognosis.
In parallel, Maryna has spent five years leading sales for Wingle’s vape-testing initiative, delivering industry-tailored analytical solutions and vaping equipment. She has worked closely with manufacturers and R&D teams on operational testing of diverse devices and systems, supporting product development, performance validation, and regulatory readiness.
Dr. Pete Gibbons is the Business Development Director at Labstat International. Pete is a chemist by training with extensive experience in New Category Nicotine Products, aerosol science and analytical chemistry. He is a frequent contributor to the development of European (CEN) and worldwide (ISO) standards and actively participates in Coresta. His previous positions include Head of Reduced Risk Product Analysis at Hall Analytical (Manchester, UK) and Head of Technical for a major Independent UK ENDS business. Prior to joining the Nicotine Product industry in 2015, Pete enjoyed a successful career as a drug discovery expert.
Candice El Khoury is Chief Growth Officer at Medad Holding in the UAE, with over a decade of experience in growth strategy, venture development and commercialization across the GCC and Levant. She leads growth and value creation across a portfolio of technology-driven ventures, focusing on bringing innovation developed in the UAE to international markets.
A key area of her work is the development and commercialization of NEB MIST, an ultrasonic aerosol delivery device. Working alongside scientists, engineers, regulatory specialists and international partners, she connects technological development with product strategy, scientific validation, consumer experience and market readiness. She brings a strategic perspective on how emerging aerosol technologies, product intelligence and responsible innovation can shape the industry’s future, balancing consumer needs, regulatory considerations and long-term commercial sustainability.
When I first launched Yalla, my vision was to create a vape brand that truly represented the Middle East—a brand we could proudly call our own. I wanted it to reflect the region’s rich culture, vibrant society, and growing success, while offering something unique and innovative in the market. Our core mission is to help people quit smoking by offering a range of alternative nicotine delivery products. We don’t see ourselves as just a vape brand, but rather as an alternative nicotine solutions provider. We’re constantly exploring innovative ways to support people in their journey to quit smoking.
Vape retailers and brands face growing pressure to drive sales, build customer trust and adapt to evolving regulations across physical and digital channels. This panel explores how to strengthen product positioning, understand changing consumer behaviour and use digital marketing, content and customer engagement to build brand awareness and encourage repeat purchases. Panellists will share insights on reaching the right audiences, measuring marketing effectiveness, expanding into new markets and navigating the commercial and regulatory challenges of responsible marketing. Discover how retailers and brands can turn customer engagement into sustainable growth while balancing profitability, compliance and public health responsibilities across the Middle East and global markets.
Session Speakers
With extensive expertise in the Vaping & E-Cigarette sector, Chris Kelly has excelled in senior sales roles spanning Insurance, Leisure, Retail, and Medical industries. Notably, he led the Specialist Retail division at JUUL Labs, shaping UK commercial strategy, and served as the National Sales Manager at British American Tobacco.
In October 2021, leveraging his industry network, he founded Phoenix 2 Retail to forge innovative paths beyond traditional brands. Chris, alongside his adept team and strong network connections, earned the Best New Entrepreneur award at the Tees Business Awards 2022, showcasing remarkable achievements and inspiring leadership for fellow industry enthusiasts. With his excellent reputation and being one of the most seasoned professionals within the industry, Chris aims to now embark into projects that will lead into government steering groups, thus helping to revolutionise the Vaping industry.
Dr. Mohammed Mueen is the Founder & CEO of Haze Vape, leading market development, retail expansion, and strategic partnerships across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). A pharmacist by education and entrepreneur by passion, he specializes in business strategy, distribution networks, brand growth, and scaling international consumer brands in emerging markets.
With extensive experience in the alternative nicotine industry, Dr. Mueen works at the intersection of innovation, commercial leadership, and responsible market development. He has represented the industry as a speaker at international events, including the Global Vape Forum at World Vape Show Dubai, sharing insights on market trends, harm reduction, and the future of regulated nicotine products.
Passionate about entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, retail innovation, and global business, he is committed to building sustainable companies, developing high-performing teams, and creating long-term value through strategic partnerships and technology.
John has a strong background and reputation in the European e-cigarette industry, having held senior executive positions in some of the US and Europe’s biggest companies. As Managing Director of Dyflin Group Consulting, he advises many leading industry analysts, financial institutions and media organisations looking at the vaping and CBD sectors. John is also Director-General and one of the founders of the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA), the UK’s largest vaping Industry association and has advised the UK governments All Party Parliamentary Group on Vaping as well as giving evidence before the UK Science & Technology Committee investigation into the Vaping industry and the Australian Parliaments review on vaping.
John regularly appears on national television, radio as well as national and international print media. John is a popular guest speaker at many of the world’s leading conventions.
📍MENA's Leading Vape Influencer &Business Consultant🏆Award-Winning Vape Expert 23 & 24🚀Helping Brands Grow & Dominate theVape Industry
The evidence - Aligning science, regulation and public perception
This conversation will explore the latest evidence on vaping and alternative nicotine delivery products, examining the scientific research, public health findings, and behavioural and regulatory insights shaping the harm-reduction debate. The session will consider how scientific evidence can better inform regulatory approaches and public understanding, helping ensure adults who smoke have access to accurate, balanced information about the range of harm-reduction options available to them.
Session Speakers
Sairahis a chartered health psychologist and award-winning stop-smoking clinician with 20 years of experience within the smoking cessation and tobacco harm reduction sector.
She is currently the managing director of Salim-Sartoni Associates(SSA).
A passionate and effective category leader and expert,Sairah provides successful scientific/clinical engagement/project management/regulatory and external affairs support for the vaping industry in addition to providing category training to healthcare professionals onthe evidence base to decrease misinformation and increase confidence in vaping as a stop smoking tool.
More recently she has supported the onboarding of clients onto the Swap to Stop platform and is excited to be part of a national programme that focuses on giving the most vulnerable smokers in our society a potential exit from tobacco. She is an accomplished advocate and public speaker on tobacco harm reduction with the inspirational goal of leaving no smoker behind.
Ian is an independent consultant with expertise in regulatory and scientific aspects of nicotine and tobacco products. His consulting work encompasses clinical and behavioural studies of tobacco and nicotine products for regulatory submissions in the US and Europe, and he has a wealth of experience of both consumer goods and medicinal licensing submissions. His 17 years working in the Tobacco Harm Reduction arena has included roles as Senior Director of Clinical and Regulatory Affairs EMEA with JUUL Labs, Director of Tobacco Research with Celerion, and Principal Scientist and Head of Clinical Research at British American Tobacco. As well as his consulting, Ian is a Scientific Advisory Board Member with Qnovia, a medtech startup seeking authorisation for a novel NRT in the UK and the US, and is also an Independent Non-Exec Director with Advanced Inhalation Rituals (AIR), a global shisha manufacturer.
Christopher Russell, Ph.D. is a behavioural scientist and Director of Russell Burnett Research and Consultancy Ltd (RBRC), Glasgow, United Kingdom. Dr Russell leads the design, conduct, and reporting of perception and behavioural research studies of reduced-risk tobaccoand nicotine products, including electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS, vaping products), heated tobacco products, and modern oral products (e.g., nicotine pouches, film strips). RBRC’s studies are designed to inform regulatory evaluations of the potential impact of marketing a new tobacco/nicotine product on future tobacco use behaviour and population health.
Dr. Marina Murphy is Senior Director of
Scientific Affairs at Haypp Group, where she leads scientific
communications and public health advocacy to support tobacco harm
reduction. With over 20 years’ experience, she has held senior roles at
Juul Labs, British American Tobacco, and ANDS, focusing on translating
complex science into accessible, evidence-based narratives. Marina is a
passionate advocate for transparent science communication and sound
regulatory frameworks that support public health. A vocal proponent of
evidence-based policy, she regularly addresses misinformation around
nicotine products.
Marina holds a Ph.D. in chemistry from the
National University of Ireland, Galway and a Masters in Science
Communication for Dublin City University, Ireland.
Expertise
Tobacco Harm Reduction
Public Health Advocacy
Scientific Communications
Regulatory Affairs
Jeff Machovec is Director of Operations at Applied Aerosol Technologies (AAT) in Rochester, Minnesota, where he leads research, development, and analytical testing of next-generation nicotine aerosol products, including the NebMist ultrasonic nicotine delivery system. He holds honors degrees in Biochemistry and Biology and has more than 13 years of experience in the ENDS industry, along with two years in pharmaceutical manufacturing. His work spans aerosol science, product verification and validation, and QA/QC, with a focus on bringing data-driven, regulatory-grade rigor to e-vapor products.
John has a strong background and reputation in the European e-cigarette industry, having held senior executive positions in some of the US and Europe’s biggest companies. As Managing Director of Dyflin Group Consulting, he advises many leading industry analysts, financial institutions and media organisations looking at the vaping and CBD sectors. John is also Director-General and one of the founders of the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA), the UK’s largest vaping Industry association and has advised the UK governments All Party Parliamentary Group on Vaping as well as giving evidence before the UK Science & Technology Committee investigation into the Vaping industry and the Australian Parliaments review on vaping.
John regularly appears on national television, radio as well as national and international print media. John is a popular guest speaker at many of the world’s leading conventions.
This presentation explores how innovation is advancing the Reduced-Risk Products (RRP) category, driving change across the tobacco value chain, and supporting broader ESG ambitions.
Maaran from Filtrona will share how sustainable product solutions and strategic partnerships are helping customers navigate this transition while creating long-term value across the industry.
Session Speaker
Maaran Nadarajah, Innovation Director at Filtrona, brings over 25 years of tobacco and nicotine industry expertise to his role overseeing R&D and new product innovation. With a career spanning key positions at Philip Morris International and Imperial Brands PLC, Maaran has extensive experience in product design, category innovation, development, and commercialization across several categories in the industry. His global perspective and deep industry knowledge make him a leading authority on the development of new product categories.
Zimbabwe produces more tobacco than any other country in Africa and remains central to the region's leaf supply. This session examines the outlook for production, exports, grower economics, sustainability and investment, while exploring the wider trends shaping tobacco supply chains across Southern Africa. Delegates will gain insight into the opportunities and risks likely to influence sourcing decisions over the coming years.
This session brings together legal and regulatory experts, public health researchers, industry innovators, and consumer advocates to explore how the Middle East can advance safer nicotine products. Panellists will discuss market trends, the rise of novel nicotine alternatives, evolving regulatory and taxation strategies, enforcement challenges, and regional public health priorities. The session will consider scientific evidence for harm reduction in a regional context and identify concrete steps to improve access to harm-reduction products and accelerate the transition toward a smokefree future in the GCC.
Session Speakers
Mohammad Agrabawi is the Managing Partner of Specter Advisory.
He is a seasoned expert in regulatory affairs, corporate communications, and government relations, with deep knowledge of the political, regulatory, and fiscal landscape of the Middle East. He began his career as a Jordanian diplomat, serving as Assistant to the Chief of Protocol and later as Consul at the Jordanian embassies in Cairo and Abu Dhabi.
Agrabawi subsequently led corporate affairs and communications at Philip Morris International Jordan and the Public Authority for Anti-Smoking, as well as at JUUL Labs MENA and ANDS, shaping policy and market strategies across the region. In each role, he demonstrated a rare ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and align corporate interests with government priorities.
With extensive experience bridging the public and private sectors, Agrabawi is recognized for his leadership and his capacity to operate effectively across the diverse commercial and political environments of the Middle East. He brings to Specter Advisory a deep network of government and industry relationships built over decades of senior-level engagement throughout the region.
Rabia Abro is Area Head of New Categories for APMEA West at British American Tobacco, leading strategy, portfolio development, and commercial growth across multiple markets in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa. With nearly 15 years of experience in consumer goods and nicotine categories, she has played a key role in shaping next-generation nicotine product strategies, driving category adoption, and accelerating the transition towards reduced-risk alternatives.
Rabia is responsible for advancing the growth of modern oral nicotine and heated products across a diverse portfolio of markets. With deep expertise in consumer insights, brand strategy, innovation, and category transformation, she is passionate about shaping the future of nicotine through responsible commercialization, consumer-centric solutions, and sustainable business growth.
Manoj researches drinks and tobacco, dairy products and alternatives,
and non-alcoholic drinks for markets in the Middle East. He also writes
content promoting insights and thought leadership discussion.
Manoj advises clients across the GCC on his focus industries, with a special interest in different consumer behaviour patterns across the region's dynamic economic landscape. Manoj has over 14 years of experience in research, having previously worked in B2B regionally in the Middle East and North Africa, and locally, on the client side with Al Ain Dairy supporting in sales reporting and strategic decision-making.
Christopher Russell, Ph.D. is a behavioural scientist and Director of Russell Burnett Research and Consultancy Ltd (RBRC), Glasgow, United Kingdom. Dr Russell leads the design, conduct, and reporting of perception and behavioural research studies of reduced-risk tobaccoand nicotine products, including electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS, vaping products), heated tobacco products, and modern oral products (e.g., nicotine pouches, film strips). RBRC’s studies are designed to inform regulatory evaluations of the potential impact of marketing a new tobacco/nicotine product on future tobacco use behaviour and population health.
Miguel Coleta is Senior Director Sustainability Policy and Market Activation at Philip Morris International (PMI), overseeing global policy developments regarding social and environmental performance and reporting, as well as the deployment of the company’s sustainability strategy across affiliates worldwide.
He joined PMI in Portugal in 2005 and since 2008 has been based in the operations center in Lausanne, Switzerland, where he has worked on topics ranging from harm reduction to human rights in the company’s supply chain.
Miguel holds a Ph.D. in Phytochemistry and Pharmacognosy and prior to joining PMI, was a researcher and a guest assistant professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra in Portugal.
Miguel also served one term as an elected member of the Portuguese National Parliament.
Dr. Mohammed Mueen is the Founder & CEO of Haze Vape, leading market development, retail expansion, and strategic partnerships across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). A pharmacist by education and entrepreneur by passion, he specializes in business strategy, distribution networks, brand growth, and scaling international consumer brands in emerging markets.
With extensive experience in the alternative nicotine industry, Dr. Mueen works at the intersection of innovation, commercial leadership, and responsible market development. He has represented the industry as a speaker at international events, including the Global Vape Forum at World Vape Show Dubai, sharing insights on market trends, harm reduction, and the future of regulated nicotine products.
Passionate about entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, retail innovation, and global business, he is committed to building sustainable companies, developing high-performing teams, and creating long-term value through strategic partnerships and technology.
The nicotine pouch category has seen huge volume growth. However regulation, consumer behaviour and market maturity vary widely by region (Europe, US, Middle East, Asia). What works in one market may not in another. This session will explore the latest evidence and relative risk around these products. How are brands capturing emerging demands and adapting product formats, marketing, regulatory compliance to each region while leveraging scale where possible?
Session Speakers
Tim Phillips is the Founder of Tamarind Intelligence, a global independent market and regulatory intelligence service providing data for businesses operating in a number of fast-moving consumer sectors facing regulatory change, including vape, cannabis and tobacco alternatives. Tamarind Intelligence provides market leading insights and regulatory tracking for clients ranging from governments and academic institutions to multinational companies and professional service providers.
Phillips is a UK-qualified attorney, having worked at the European Commission, international law firm Herbert Smith Freehills, media companies BSkyB and AOL, and Betfair (now Flutter Entertainment), where he ran global public affairs as the company went through its IPO. He was also a partner in a New York venture capital-funded start-up in the diamond sector. Tim holds a postgraduate diploma in legal practice from the University of Law, London and a masters degree in geology from Oxford University. He has run Tamarind Intelligence for the past 11 years.
Mohammad Agrabawi is the Managing Partner of Specter Advisory.
He is a seasoned expert in regulatory affairs, corporate communications, and government relations, with deep knowledge of the political, regulatory, and fiscal landscape of the Middle East. He began his career as a Jordanian diplomat, serving as Assistant to the Chief of Protocol and later as Consul at the Jordanian embassies in Cairo and Abu Dhabi.
Agrabawi subsequently led corporate affairs and communications at Philip Morris International Jordan and the Public Authority for Anti-Smoking, as well as at JUUL Labs MENA and ANDS, shaping policy and market strategies across the region. In each role, he demonstrated a rare ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and align corporate interests with government priorities.
With extensive experience bridging the public and private sectors, Agrabawi is recognized for his leadership and his capacity to operate effectively across the diverse commercial and political environments of the Middle East. He brings to Specter Advisory a deep network of government and industry relationships built over decades of senior-level engagement throughout the region.
Sydney Hiller, Ph.D., specializes in navigating evolving regulatory and scientific challenges in the pharmaceutical, medical device, and consumer products industries across dynamic, global environments. Sydney has a proven track record of success integrating scientific rigor with regulatory strategy to support innovative product development, regulatory submission and market entry, and ongoing compliance in challenging sectors including tobacco harm reduction and cannabis. Her ability to distill intricate scientific concepts into actionable plans has consistently driven success in these high-stakes, regulated environments. Sydney received her Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Southern California and her B.A. from New York University. During her studies, she worked under Raphael Mechoulam, commonly known as the father of cannabis research. In addition to her active participation in numerous professional societies, Sydney is passionate about advancing women in STEM fields. She has served as a mentor for both Women in Science & Engineering (WiSE) and Women in Chemistry (WiC) and is a member of Organization of Women in Nicotine and Tobacco (OWNiT).
Davide Sancassani is the Technical Sales Manager at Alchem NicSelect™, where he oversees product development, technical and regulatory support across nicotine products with special focus on nicotine pouches and NGNP. He graduated in Pharmacy (MPharm) from the University of Sunderland and spent several years in the pharmaceutical industry before joining the Alchem NicSelect™ team in August 2023.
Ao, Weinuo, the founder and general secretary of ECCC, China's only dedicated vaping industry association.
Over the past decade, Mr. Ao has played an active role in shaping China’s vaping industry. He has coordinated the development of the industry’s first group standards, supported the establishment of China’s regulatory framework for e-cigarettes, and promoted compliance across ECCC’s membership. He is an experienced industry leader and a key facilitator of cooperation within China’s vaping sector
John has a strong background and reputation in the European e-cigarette industry, having held senior executive positions in some of the US and Europe’s biggest companies. As Managing Director of Dyflin Group Consulting, he advises many leading industry analysts, financial institutions and media organisations looking at the vaping and CBD sectors. John is also Director-General and one of the founders of the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA), the UK’s largest vaping Industry association and has advised the UK governments All Party Parliamentary Group on Vaping as well as giving evidence before the UK Science & Technology Committee investigation into the Vaping industry and the Australian Parliaments review on vaping.
John regularly appears on national television, radio as well as national and international print media. John is a popular guest speaker at many of the world’s leading conventions.
Ao, Weinuo, the founder and general secretary of ECCC, China's only dedicated vaping industry association.
Over the past decade, Mr. Ao has played an active role in shaping China’s vaping industry. He has coordinated the development of the industry’s first group standards, supported the establishment of China’s regulatory framework for e-cigarettes, and promoted compliance across ECCC’s membership. He is an experienced industry leader and a key facilitator of cooperation within China’s vaping sector
Mohammad Agrabawi is the Managing Partner of Specter Advisory.
He is a seasoned expert in regulatory affairs, corporate communications, and government relations, with deep knowledge of the political, regulatory, and fiscal landscape of the Middle East. He began his career as a Jordanian diplomat, serving as Assistant to the Chief of Protocol and later as Consul at the Jordanian embassies in Cairo and Abu Dhabi.
Agrabawi subsequently led corporate affairs and communications at Philip Morris International Jordan and the Public Authority for Anti-Smoking, as well as at JUUL Labs MENA and ANDS, shaping policy and market strategies across the region. In each role, he demonstrated a rare ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and align corporate interests with government priorities.
With extensive experience bridging the public and private sectors, Agrabawi is recognized for his leadership and his capacity to operate effectively across the diverse commercial and political environments of the Middle East. He brings to Specter Advisory a deep network of government and industry relationships built over decades of senior-level engagement throughout the region.
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