Currently, Rob is the President and CEO of Focal Point Research, Inc. He has more than 35 years of experience in the formulation, manufacturing, and regulation of cosmetics, drugs, medical devices, and nutritional supplements. He has completed hundreds of regulatory submissions for product registration and approval, and has served as a consultant to companies of all sizes around the world pertaining to their Canadian and U.S. compliance. He has also served as a consultant directly to Health Canada.
Rob has extensive experience inspecting Cosmetic and OTC drug facilities and developing QA programs in Canada, the U.S., and international locations. He also has many years of experience in Research and Development, including formulation, stability and analytical chemistry, clinical trials, and manufacturing. Rob also has served as an expert witness in litigation, and contributes regularly to the development of intellectual property.
Rob has served as the regular science columnist for Canada's Cosmetics Magazine, and is currently a frequent contributor to the U.S. publication, Cosmetics & Toiletries. In 2014 and 2015, Rob was a featured presenter at the Cosmetics & Toiletries Scientific Summits at the University of Pennsylvania.
Prior to his career at Focal Point Research, Rob spent almost 20 years in management positions at Procter & Gamble, working at research centers in both Canada and the United States. He was involved with all aspects of P&G’s new product programs including Formulation, Process Engineering, Packaging, and Regulatory and Government Affairs. For two years Rob worked in P&G’s upstream Hair Care Research and Development Department in Cincinnati, Ohio and for five years was head of R&D for P&G Canada’s Beauty Care Division, responsible for all innovations in Procter’s beauty portfolio.
Rob has served on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association, and is a member of their Government Relations Committee. Rob is also a member of the Board of Directors of the U.S. Independent Cosmetic Manufacturers and Distributors (ICMAD) and their Technical/Regulatory Committee. He is also a member of the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) in the United States and the Ontario Chapter of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists.
In 2016, Rob was appointed Professor in the School of Biological Sciences and Applied Chemistry at Canada’s Seneca College, and developed their cosmetic regulations course. Rob completed B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Organic Chemistry from McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada. He is the father of two daughters and lives just outside of Toronto, Canada.