We have a common goal: to safeguard and promote pure authentic natural and organic cosmetics. Based in Brussels, our international secretariat works passionately to fulfill NATRUE’s mission.
Dr Mark Smith – Director General
Role: Running of NATRUE, lead role in all political, regulatory and scientific affairs of the association – advocacy, research and label.
Mark holds a MChem (Hons) degree in Chemistry and an interdisciplinary PhD. between chemistry and genetics. Prior to his appointment at NATRUE in 2014, Mark gained significant research expertise holding key roles in the fields of biotechnology (Leeds, UK) and the biomedical/pharmaceutical sector (Montréal, Canada). Assuming the role of Director General in July 2016, Mark is responsible for the general management of NATRUE on a day-to-day basis, while also playing a lead role in all political, regulatory, and scientific affairs of the association including representing NATRUE at international public or private organisations and institutions. Mark leads the Public Affairs & Regulatory and Scientific Working Group, provides support to the NATRUE Scientific Committee, and is a co-chair of the UK Sustainable Beauty Coalition.
Languages: English, French
Email: msmith@natrue.eu
Phone: +32 2 613 29 32
Katrin Pilz – Office Manager
Role: Responsible for the management of NATRUE Membership and its General Assembly, intellectual property rights related to the NATRUE Label, and ensuring legal (statutes), financial (annual audit, monthly payroll) and HR (hiring, onboarding) administration by coordination with third-parties. Additionally, Katrin provides assistance to the Director General, general enquiries and the Communication Working Group.
Katrin holds a Master Degree in Political Science and Public Management with a focus on the European Union, and joined NATRUE in January 2019. Katrin has lived in Brussels for more than 15 years, and has extensive experience in European Affairs for German and European liaison offices to the European Institutions. Before joining NATRUE Katrin worked for 7 years at the Belgian-Luxembourgish-German Chamber of Commerce in Brussels and advised SMEs and trade fair companies on various matters like international trade marketing management and match-making events.
Languages: German, English, French, Dutch, Italian, and a bit of Spanish and Modern Greek.
Email: info@natrue.eu
Phone: +32 2 613 29 30
Viktoria Potko – Certification and Global Market Development Manager
Role: Responsible for the management and market development of the NATRUE Label. In this role she leads the coordination of the certification process with independent certification and accreditation bodies, as well as with brands and label users to strategically align the NATRUE Label’s growth and expansion with international market and trends.
Viktoria Potko, with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and Communications and a Master’s in International Relations, brings 7+ years of personal care industry experience to her role. Before joining NATRUE in July 2020, she held positions at leading cosmetic companies in Estonia and Russia. With a background in the product development, international brand marketing, event organization and trade marketing management, Viktoria has a deep industry knowledge.
Languages: Russian, English, Estonian, and French
Email: vpotko@natrue.eu
Phone: +32 2 613 29 33
Paula Gómez de Tejada – Global Communications and Public Relations Manager
Role: Responsible for developing and executing global communication strategies, overseeing internal, external, and social media communications to align with NATRUE values and stakeholders (B2B, B2C and consumers). Paula also leads the Communications Working Group to coordinate and align all communication initiatives across NATRUE.
Paula joined NATRUE in September 2021. With a background that includes a degree in Journalism, studies in Political Science and Administration and a Master’s degree in Global Governance and Human Rights, Paula brings +8 years of experience in Communications to her role. Her previous experience includes designing communication campaigns, drafting public policy strategies for political stakeholders, and broadcasting information as a correspondent across tv and press platforms. Currently, Paula is responsible for shaping and implementing communication strategies, including coordinated plans and media actions, writing articles, and preparing press releases. Additionally, Paula oversees public relations, website management, and budget coordination for communications initiatives.
Languages: Spanish, Catalan, English, French, and a bit of German
Email: pdetejada@natrue.eu
Phone: +32 2 613 29 35
Muriel Cartiaux – Office Assistant
Role: Responsible for the products database of NATRUE’s website.
Muriel joined NATRUE in January 2018 as Office Assistant. She is responsible for ensuring the NATRUE product database is up-to-date, management of contact databases, assistance to membership management, and supporting office-related tasks.
Languages: French, English
Email: secretariat@natrue.eu
Phone: +32 2 613 29 30
For any enquiries related to scientific or technical aspects linked to the NATRUE standard and the NATRUE certification process, please contact scir_assistance@natrue.eu.