IBA Welcomes Dr. Akemi Ooka

 IBA Welcomes Dr. Akemi Ooka Head of Global Supply Chain Resources

The Independent Beauty Association (IBA) welcomes Dr. Akemi Ooka to the staff as Head of Global Supply Chain Resources. Dr. Ooka's addition to the association marks the development of a new class of offerings tailored to meet the fast-changing needs of the indie beauty supply chain. This branch of supply chain-focused programming complements the association's existing work in global technical and regulatory issues.

Dr. Ooka is a former VP of Product for the J.R. Watkins company. With over 20 years of CPG experience, from Fortune 500 companies to small startups, Dr. Ooka's broad experience ranges from product development to sourcing and supply chain.

While at Clorox, Dr. Ooka worked in product development on key brands like Armor All, Soft Scrub, and Clorox. She then moved into innovation sourcing, pioneering open innovation, then moving to product supply, where she led the chemical procurement group.

Dr. Ooka then moved to The Method Company, where design and cutting-edge sustainability transformed the cleaning industry. She started up the company's procurement function and then transitioned back to the product, leading formula/fragrance development.

As VP of Product at J.R. Watkins, Dr. Ooka drove product innovation in hand care, personal care, home care, and OTC remedies. Dr. Ooka has a B.A. in Chemistry from Douglass College, Rutgers University, and a UCLA Ph.D. in chemistry.

The Independent Beauty Association supports its more than 600 member companies in navigating an ever-changing industry. For over 47 years, IBA has been the expert in Technical Regulatory education and resources for indie beauty companies. In response to the growing needs of its members, the association is adding global supply chain expertise to its knowledge base.

The expansion of programming comes at a critical time where heightened sustainability efforts affect supply chain practices. The impact that our products and ingredients have on the environment requires more scrutiny than ever. IBA is preparing to support its members in maneuvering the business impacts of building a sustainable supply chain.

"We are fortunate to have Dr. Akemi Ooka joining our team. She has a tremendous background in supply chain and sustainability issues, and we are looking forward to adding her expertise to help inform and advise our members," said Dr. Ken Marenus, President of IBA.

About IBA

Established in 1974, The Independent Beauty Association (IBA) is a non-profit trade association for the cosmetics and personal care industry. With over 600 member companies, our mission is to foster the success of entrepreneurial companies in our industry. IBA promotes and maintains the highest standards oflegal and regulatory compliance, environmental sustainability, and ethical business practices to help our members produce cosmetic products that are as safe and effective for all consumers.

Contact
Arnyae Neal
Director of Marketing and Membership Development (972) 833-2659
media@independentbeauty.org