Panel Discussion: Vape 2.0 - Data, Devices and Responsible Design
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.
