Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Cristina Dominguez

Director Global Innovation
Saint-Louis

Summary

Results-driven leader with a proven track record in innovation management and team development. Expert in project coordination and change management, driving cross-functional collaboration to enhance productivity. Known for adaptability, effective collaboration, and delivering measurable outcomes in dynamic environments. Recognized for fostering a culture of continuous improvement, resulting in increased team performance and efficiency.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Languages

Work History

Director Global Innovation

Archroma
Pratteln
11.2023 - Current
  • Managed global R&D teams in coordination with regional and local development teams.
  • Implemented a Stage-Gate project management framework to align innovation projects with the company’s growth strategy, optimizing resource allocation and driving efficient execution.
  • Led end-to-end innovation projects, from concept ideation to commercialization, ensuring successful market introduction.
  • Proactively identified potential risks and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts on projects or business operations.
  • Facilitated cross-functional collaboration across multiple regions for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
  • Effectively managed a portfolio of 36 patent families and 25 trademark names.

Global Research & Technology Leader

Archroma
Pratteln
03.2023 - 10.2023
  • Guided internal stakeholders during organizational restructures, ensuring smooth transitions and minimal disruption to ongoing product management efforts.
  • Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
  • Mentored junior staff members, helping them develop leadership, organizational and communication skills.

Head of Competence Center & Global Product Manager

Archroma
Reinach
10.2020 - 02.2023
  • Managed a portfolio of 54 global products generating a revenue of USD 122 million.
  • Oversaw Business Development Management, Product Application and Innovation.
  • Defined pricing guidelines and implementation strategies in line with the company KPIs.
  • Developed customized training materials for sales representatives to improve their ability to articulate the customer value proposition effectively.
  • Contributed to the relocation of R&D activity from Switzerland to Spain. Led the design of the new facility, team recruitment and training of the new hires to ensure a smooth transition

Head of Dyes & OBAs Technology

Archroma
Reinach
12.2017 - 09.2020
  • Developed and launched 12 new products generating more than 100 MUSD revenue.
  • Established standardized documentation protocols to streamline production scale-ups.
  • Co-inventor of 3 granted patents.
  • Participated in oral hearings at the European Patent Office.
  • Implemented a chemical management system consolidating historical databases (20 users, 7000 chemical containers).

Head of R&D OBA

Archroma
Reinach
10.2013 - 11.2017
  • Laboratory R&D manager for optical brighteners agents for cellulosic substrates (paper & textile).
  • Spearheaded troubleshooting initiatives during the scale-up phase, identifying and resolving technical challenges to ensure a smooth transition to full-scale production.
  • Coached lab technicians and trained team members, enhancing technical skills.
  • Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.

R&D Laboratory Manager

Clariant
Reinach
11.2012 - 09.2013
  • Lab manager for optical brighteners for the paper industry.
  • Kept laboratory in compliance with applicable guidelines and ISO standards, ensuring adherence to industry best practices.
  • Managed operational documents and produced reports detailing activities.
  • Enhanced laboratory safety by conducting regular inspections and updating safety training materials as needed.

Postdoctoral Researcher

CNRS
Strasbourg
03.2011 - 09.2012
  • Experienced Researcher in “Dendreamers” European Project, 7th Framework Programme & Marie Curie Actions.
  • Synthesized and characterized organic dendrons and gold nanoparticles for the development of advanced functional materials.
  • Presented research findings at international events, fostering knowledge exchange among peers.

Graduate Researcher & Teaching Assistant

University of Valladolid
Valladolid
09.2006 - 02.2011
  • Synthesized and characterized new functional supramolecular materials incorporating features such as hydrogen bonds, aurophilic interactions, dyes, fluorescence and liquid crystal properties with potential applications in advanced technologies.
  • Research conducted during this period resulted in the publication of eight scientific papers in indexed journals.
  • Supervised and instructed students in material science laboratory techniques.
  • Taught laboratory sessions in a bachelor's program.
  • Maintained detailed records of all experiments conducted, facilitating seamless communication among team members.

Education

Ph.D. - Chemistry

CINQUIMA, University of Valladolid
Valladolid, Spain
09.2006 - 02.2011

Master of Science - Experimental Chemistry

CINQUIMA, University of Valladolid
Valladolid, Spain
09.2005 - 08.2006

Bachelor of Science - Chemistry

University of Valladolid
Valladolid, Spain
09.2000 - 09.2005

Skills

Innovation management

Project coordination

Decision-making

Adaptability

Integrity

Perseverance

Process improvement

Cross-functional team leadership

Analytical problem-solving

Structured thinker

Timeline

Director Global Innovation

Archroma
11.2023 - Current

Global Research & Technology Leader

Archroma
03.2023 - 10.2023

Head of Competence Center & Global Product Manager

Archroma
10.2020 - 02.2023

Head of Dyes & OBAs Technology

Archroma
12.2017 - 09.2020

Head of R&D OBA

Archroma
10.2013 - 11.2017

R&D Laboratory Manager

Clariant
11.2012 - 09.2013

Postdoctoral Researcher

CNRS
03.2011 - 09.2012

Graduate Researcher & Teaching Assistant

University of Valladolid
09.2006 - 02.2011

Ph.D. - Chemistry

CINQUIMA, University of Valladolid
09.2006 - 02.2011

Master of Science - Experimental Chemistry

CINQUIMA, University of Valladolid
09.2005 - 08.2006

Bachelor of Science - Chemistry

University of Valladolid
09.2000 - 09.2005
Cristina DominguezDirector Global Innovation