The Woman Behind the Data: Meet Jasmina Banda, Chalhoub Group’s Chief Strategy Officer
As Chalhoub Group release their latest research report, an in-depth study into Gen Z’s usage of skincare in the GCC, we get to know the woman responsible for leading the group’s strategy and intelligence
This content was created in partnership with Chalhoub Group.
Over six decades, Chalhoub Group has established itself as a leader in the luxury beauty and fashion sectors across the MENA region.
Central to its success is a commitment to research-driven strategies and cutting-edge innovation; Jasmina Banda, the Group’s Chief Strategy Officer and Senior Vice President of Fashion Joint Ventures, is at the core of this forward-thinking approach.
Jasmina leads the Intelligence, Strategy, Growth and Business Development (ISGBD) unit, a team dedicated to unlocking breakthroughs through deep market insights, trend scouting, and consumer-focused strategies. Her emphasis on macroeconomic analysis and actionable intelligence has made Chalhoub Group a valuable partner for luxury brands aiming to thrive in the GCC region’s highly competitive markets.
Recently Chalhoub Group released its Gen Z’s Skincare Evolution in GCC: Unfiltered report at its Skincare Edition Summit in Riyadh, in collaboration with META, revealing detailed insight into the beauty behaviours of consumers in their late teens and early twenties (born between the years of 1997–2012) in the GCC.
“Gen Z is the generation shaping the future of the beauty industry, particularly in skincare. They are driven not just by trends but by a goal-oriented approach that reflects their desire for self-expression and skin health,” Jasmina said. “In the Middle East, we are witnessing a clear shift in their beauty ideals, where nearly 50% are introduced to the beauty world through skincare rather than makeup. This generation’s priority is a natural look, which reflects their deep focus on skincare efficacy and preventive care.”
Discussions of the luxury sector often centre on the more glamorous aspects, but data is arguably the driving force behind everything, so Jasmina plays a crucial role in the Group’s continued success. Her ability to synthesise complex insights into clear, transformative strategies has not only strengthened relationships with joint venture partners but also propelled the Group toward its ambitious growth goals. Under her leadership, the ISGBD team has become a powerful force, shaping brand strategies and solidifying Chalhoub’s reputation as a regional leader in luxury retail.
A strong example of how women are pioneering innovation and change in business in compelling ways, Jasmina brings a global eye to her work with more than 17 years of experience across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Australia.
She started out her career in telecoms and tech as a big data scientist, equipping her with the technical expertise that now underpins her data-driven approach to leadership.
Later, she spent a decade at McKinsey & Company, rising to the position of Associate Partner and leading over 50 transformative projects for leading consumer brands. Her work encompassed corporate strategy, digital innovation, and end-to-end transformations, impacting more than 30 companies. Beyond her own success, Jasmina is passionate about empowering other women actively championing them within the workplace.
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