SynBioBeta Speaker
Mikah Coffindaffer
Procter & Gamble
R&D Director
I’m a passionate innovator and Research & Development Director with 15 years in the CPG sector, driven by a profound belief in the power of biology to solve unmet consumer needs. My journey has taken me from the vast landscapes of traditional big business, including iconic brands like Head & Shoulders and Secret/Old Spice, to the agile world of developing new brands and acquisitions such as Each & Every and Native.My deep dive into entrepreneurial ventures began as an R&D co-founder during a Lean startup experiment at P&G, where I had the privilege of incubating and scaling a brand from its nascent stages. This experience honed my skills in navigating complex organizations and fostering cross-functional partnerships. I thrive on creating strategies that address critical consumer gaps; for example, delivering aluminum-free deodorants with comparable odor protection through extensive technological exploration and consumer testing.My dedication to leveraging biological insights recently culminated in the launch of Native’s groundbreaking Sensitive Series. Co-created with allergists, dermatologists, and biologists, this product line features precision fermentation-derived ceramides. This advanced application of synthetic biology allows us to harness biological processes to produce high-performance products with exceptional purity and sustainability, significantly benefiting sensitive skin. This project underscores my commitment to integrating cutting-edge life sciences into consumer products that genuinely make a difference.I am deeply invested in life sciences and biology, continually seeking to understand and harness biological mechanisms for consumer benefit. My key strengths lie in front-end innovation, consumer research, and venture partnerships, all underpinned by strong life science expertise and lean innovation principles. I find immense satisfaction in problem-solving and leading with influence, convinced that synthetic biology will increasingly shape the future of CPG.
