The EC Formulate+ Circle is not another industry conference.
It is a curated peer forum for senior formulators and R&D decision-makers who want to address real challenges with openness, discretion and strategic depth.
Participants meet international R&D leaders and innovation managers navigating the same pressures: raw material volatility, regulatory transformation, innovation under cost constraints and increasing complexity across the value chain.
There are no traditional presentations. The focus is on candid dialogue, shared experience and practical insight — at decision-making level.
The Circle is built on trust and active contribution. Members are expected to bring perspectives, challenges and lessons learned. Knowledge sharing is understood as a competitive advantage, not a risk.
Topics are defined by the participants and evolve with the priorities of the group. The exchange continues beyond a single meeting, forming a trusted circle of peers who learn together — and move faster together. This event serves as the kick-off of an ongoing membership circle, designed to grow over time with additional benefits – some of which will be actively co-created together with participants during the event.
For those who value strategic exchange over surface-level networking, the EC Formulate+ Circle offers a distinct environment.
Why you should attend:
A confidential setting where experienced formulators speak openly about real challenges without sales pitches, hierarchy or competitive posturing.
No generic presentations. Every discussion focuses on current, practical issues you are dealing with in formulation and R&D leadership.
Meet a carefully selected group of senior formulators who face the same pressures and decisions you do, across companies and countries.
Not a one-off event. Ongoing exchange through roundtables and direct connections ensures long-term value beyond the initial meeting.
Schedule
European Coatings
Former Head of R&D of Dulux, UK
Phd, Former VP Research & Development, USA
Institute for Family Businesses OWL, University of Bielefeld, DE
Dr. Jürgen Blaak, Barbor Beauty Group, DE
Further Information
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Founding Members
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Cemil Biyikli (R&D Director, AkzoNobel Kemipol A.Ş.)
What inspired you to become part of this new format and join the group?
“With the rapid technological changes and the challenges in our industry, creating a circle in such a new creative format where leaders can exchange ideas feels genuinely valuable. Being able to connect with members to discuss real-world strategies is something I’m very much looking forward to.”
Verane Levermann (Manager of R&D, MAGNI EUROPE)
What convinced you to support this format from the outset?
“I believe that crucial decisions should be shaped where the magic happens: in R&D and lab teams. I look forward to meeting peers and engaging in meaningful discussions.”
Lluís Martínez (CTO, Roberlo)
What convinced you to support this format from the outset?
“As with other sectors, we are facing times of high complexity that will force us to change the management criteria and I think there are not any other forums for it.”
Dr. Mirko Montigny (Head of R&D Paints and Plasters, Meffert)
Why does the coatings sector need this kind of format right now?
“The coatings sector is undergoing significant transformation driven by sustainability goals, digitalisation, and changing customer expectations. At Meffert AG, we believe that addressing these challenges requires new ways of thinking and stronger collaboration across the industry—exactly what this format enables.”
Lucas Patrice (R&D Director BS Coatings, a Mäder Group Company)
Why do you find this format appealing?
Today’s global innovation challenges are numerous. Joining the EC Formulate+ Circle is an opportunity to collectively navigate them and articulate coherent and ambitious responses.
Sven Thomsen (Head of R&D, Hesse)
Why does the coatings sector need this kind of format right now?
“Because networking is key. Especially in times of increasing demands, we must stand together and be united in representing our expertise. Topics like increasingly higher ratings for commodities or disrupting supply chains will force us to cooperate.”
Tim Kröger (Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Peter Lacke)
Why is this format relevant for R&D managers in the coatings sector?
“A dedicated network of R&D decision-makers creates real value. It enables open exchange on common challenges, regulatory developments, and best-practice principles. For me this means gaining validated perspectives and making better-informed decisions.”
Özlem Ünlü Işık (R&D Director, Kansai Altan Boya)
What motivated you to join this first meeting?
“The first meeting of this group is particularly appealing to me as it offers a unique opportunity for R&D leaders to come together and build a strong network. Rather than a typical industry event, I see this launch as dedicated to professionals who value open dialogue and trust among colleagues, with a focus on collaboration and solution-oriented approaches for the coatings industry.”
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Speakers
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Dr. Jürgen Blaak (Barbor Beauty Group, Germany )
Dr. Jürgen Blaak is a cosmetic scientist with nearly 15 years of experience in cosmetic research, development, and regulatory affairs. Since 2023, he has held the position of Vice President R&D at the Babor Beauty Group, where his responsibilities include product development, technical marketing, regulatory matters, and product research. In addition to his industry role, he contributes to numerous scientific committees and initiatives. He leads the “Skin Cleansing” Working Group within the German Society for Scientific and Applied Cosmetics and is a member of its Scientific Advisory Board. He regularly publishes and presents on a broad spectrum of cosmetic science topics, such as skin physiology, product performance, claim substantiation, emerging trends, and regulatory issues.
Dr. Jana Bövers (Institute for Family Businesses OWL, University of Bielefeld, Germany)
Dr. Jana Bövers is Head of Vocational Education at the Chamber of Crafts in Hannover, Germany, where she drives the modernization of training programs, digital learning formats, and strategic workforce development. Known for her ability to translate complex research into actionable insights, she brings a unique blend of academic depth and practical leadership experience. Before joining the Chamber of Crafts, she served as Managing Director of the Institute for Family Business (iFUn) at Bielefeld University, where she shaped strategic initiatives, built industry partnerships, and advanced research on leadership, identity, and organizational transformation. As an affiliate member of the institute she continues to focus on scientific insights on leadership and individual and organizational learning.
Brian Roulstone
A career R&D scientist with 38 years experience in the architectural coatings businesses of ICI, AkzoNobel and DuluxGroup. International exposure via leadership roles in S E Asia, China and Australia and also as the functional leader at regional and global level in the central laboratories for ICI and AkzoNobel in Europe.
Significant experience working cross functionally with hands on experience collaborating with marketing & innovation, procurement and supply chain. In addition to leading research and product development teams, significant attention to the digital transition of R&D has also been a major passion
Sarah Eckersley (Phd, Former VP Research & Development, USA)
Sarah Eckersley is an experienced innovation executive in the chemicals and coatings industry, with a strong track record in aligning R&D with business strategy and market needs. She has led major organisational change initiatives, most recently focusing on the digital transformation of R&D. She spent over 30 years at Dow, where she served as VP of R&D for Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure and was part of the company’s R&D leadership team. Sarah is recognised for her expertise in technology portfolio management, strategy execution, and organisational development, and is an active advocate for inclusivity and equity.
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Venue
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Hilton Garden Inn Leiden
Willem Einthovenstraat 3, 2342 BH Oegstgeest, The Netherlands
A room block for conference participants is available. You will receive further information with your confirmation.
Hilton Garden Inn Leiden, Netherlands offers modern comfort in a convenient and well-connected location. One of its key benefits is the excellent accessibility from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
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Anti-Competition Guidelines
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Participants of the Formulate+ Circle come from many countries and are therefore subject to various national and regional antitrust laws, including those of the European Union. These laws share a common goal: to prevent activities that restrict competition or lead to unfair business practices.
All participants must avoid actions that could directly or indirectly limit fair competition. This includes explicit or implicit agreements between companies on matters such as prices, market shares, credit terms, advertising budgets, or research and development activities. Even informal understandings or unintended actions that affect competition may violate antitrust laws.All participants are expected to remain vigilant and ensure that discussions and activities comply with applicable competition laws.
Anti-Competition Guidelines Formulate+ Circle
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Fees & Services
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2.500 € Membership Fee Each participant registering for the EC Formulate+ Circle receives an exclusive one-year membership, including:
- complimentary access to the European Coatings Journal for one year
- a 50% personal discount on registration for one EC Conference in 2026
This membership is intended to strengthen long-term exchange within the Circle and to create added value beyond the conference itself.
Registration
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