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Levashni Bijou
Director of Regulatory Affairs
Professional Background
Levashni Bijou is a driven and accomplished professional with over 20 years of rich and diverse experience in both domestic and international markets catering to multi-national organizations. Her expertise spans critical sectors such as global regulatory affairs, food safety, advertising, claim substantiation, and risk assessment. With a profound understanding of regulatory frameworks, Levashni has been instrumental in developing and implementing robust regulatory strategies that align with business goals, ensuring the successful commercialization of innovative products in highly competitive markets. Her career portfolio showcases a clear trajectory of leadership roles and significant contributions to the organizations she has been part of, reflecting her dedication to excellence in the field.
In her current role as the Director of Regulatory Affairs at Kerry, Levashni leads efforts to navigate complex regulatory landscapes while fostering compliance across multiple product lines. Her strategic insights and leadership have been pivotal in maintaining Kerry's reputation as a trusted partner in food safety and regulations, contributing to its status as a leader in the global food manufacturing industry.
Levashni's previous position as Regulatory Affairs Sector Lead at Ashland afforded her the opportunity to not only manage regulatory compliance across various sectors but also to cultivate key partnerships with industry stakeholders. Notably, her tenure allowed her to enhance Ashland’s regulatory strategies and advocacy initiatives, showcasing her ability to influence positive change and drive business success.
Before her time at Ashland, Levashni served as Manager of Regulatory Affairs at Nestlé Nutrition North America (Gerber), where her leadership was crucial in steering product innovations and ensuring regulatory alignment. Her expertise in risk assessment and claim substantiation helped position Gerber products favorably in the market while adhering to stringent safety and quality standards.
Education and Achievements
Levashni's academic background is a testament to her commitment to professional development and continuous learning. She studied at the Institute Of Packaging, where she gained valuable insights into packaging regulations and their impact on product safety and consumer perceptions. Additionally, she furthered her education at the Durban University Of Technology, reinforcing her knowledge and skills relevant to her career in regulatory affairs.
Although she pursued a Bachelor of Law, her primary focus has remained within the sciences and regulatory frameworks pertaining to nutrition and food safety. This diverse educational background informs her multifaceted approach to regulatory issues, blending legal knowledge with practical applications in food safety and product development.
Levashni has held several impactful positions prior to her current role. As the Associate Director - Sub Sahara Africa at Colgate-Palmolive, she successfully managed regulatory operations, significantly improving compliance processes and contributing to the brand's expansion in emerging markets. Furthermore, her role as Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs at Nestlé allowed her to hone her leadership skills, successfully guiding teams to navigate the challenging landscape of food safety and product compliance.
Levashni’s earlier career saw her as the Group Regulatory Affairs Manager at Tiger Brands, where she played a crucial role in the company's commitment to safety and quality in its product offerings. Her foundational experiences as Product Development Manager / Microbiologist at Unilever equipped her with critical insights into the intersection of product formulation and regulatory requirements, making her an invaluable asset to any organization.
Achievements
Levashni Bijou’s career is marked by numerous achievements that underscore her expertise and commitment to excellence in regulatory affairs. Her ability to develop and maintain strong diplomatic affiliations with government authorities and trade partners has been a standout aspect of her career. By fostering positive relationships, she enables organizations to enhance their operational efficiencies while ensuring compliance with ever-evolving regulations.
Throughout her career, she has successfully led initiatives that not only fulfill compliance requirements but also push the envelope on innovation within the food and nutrition sectors. Her proactive approach in implementing regulatory strategies and processes has allowed for seamless product commercialization, paving the way for organizations under her leadership to continue leading in their respective industries. Levashni’s adept risk assessment skills have also significantly contributed to minimizing compliance risks and ensuring product safety, further enhancing customer trust and brand reputation.
In recognition of her expertise and contributions, Levashni has established herself as a thought leader in the regulatory affairs domain. Her insights are sought after, and she often lends her knowledge through various forums and professional networks, advocating for best practices in regulatory affairs across industries. Her unwavering commitment to maintaining rigorous safety standards while championing innovation exemplifies her role as a leader in enhancing the regulatory landscape. Long recognized for her in-depth knowledge and strategic vision, Levashni Bijou continues to make a lasting impact in the field of regulatory affairs, food safety, and product development. Her journey is a testament to the intersection of passion, expertise, and dedication to uphold the highest standards in the industry.
