Gonzalo Mibelli, President of Merz Aesthetics EMEA
Gonzalo Mibelli is in charge of operations in a region spanning 51 countries, and an estimated 2.2 billion people with extremely diverse populations. A match for this energetic and seasoned globetrotter who thrives on challenges, human contacts, and rock ‘n’ roll with a dash of fine dining.
Interview by Annabel MacGowan
ANTI-AGE MAGAZINE: Are there common grounds and aspirations of aesthetic medicine consumers in such a huge and diverse territory?
GONZALO MIBELLI: Surprisingly, there are. I find it amazing because you’re looking at people living in countries from the tip of Northern Europe to the tip of Africa, with a broad spectrum of cultures, health and beauty habits, as well as different median ages according to the country, with Europe having older citizens and Africa younger ones. The common denominator across all these countries and cultures is that people want to project externally the way they feel that they look inside. They want to look fresh and natural, and the main motivation is being energised to confront challenges in their life and work. They prefer gradual treatments for a subtle enhancement with a “less is more” approach. The latest trend that we are observing is a demand for optimally trained physicians.
AAM: What is the most interesting and positive phenomenon that you have observed recently in all these different countries?
G.M.: Today medical aesthetic procedures have become a part of wellbeing routines, and users consider treatments as an integral part of a healthy lifestyle. This in my view partly explains the success of collagen stimulators because they work from the inside out by boosting the skin’s own mechanisms and providing healthier-looking skin. We are happy to witness recent broader offers from aesthetic clinics who include in their services weight-loss programs, nutrition counselling, anti-fatigue treatments, because our belief is that feeling good and looking good are closely intertwined and contribute to living well.
AAM: Merz has been a pioneer and a longtime advocate of helping to build confidence through a customised approach to aesthetic procedures. How was this novel concept received both by users and by doctors?
G.M.: This “philosophy” started internally when we started discussing what makes people working at Merz Aesthetics get up in the morning. We quickly discovered that confidence has a major impact on driving purpose. Not only with our employees, but with our doctor partners, and more recently with our consumers, as demonstrated in our “Pillars of Confidence” survey. A very interesting survey of 15,000 people across 15 countries. We wanted to uncover the connections between medical aesthetics and confidence.
AAM: Merz has historically always aimed for long-term cooperations with doctors it works with. What are the services put into place to help practitioners keep up with the science and training techniques?
G.M.: In keeping with our vision of wanting to be the most trusted, innovative, and preferred partner company in the business, we invest in three areas. Online education at Merz Aesthetic Exchange (MAX), a platform launched almost two years ago. In-person training at our MAX Studios, where we invite doctors to “our house” and train them in the latest techniques. We’ve opened these centres in our offices in Dubai, Madrid, Paris, and Milano, as well as in partner clinics in Frankfurt and Riyadh, with our MAX Pop-up Studios. We have our stand-alone Merz Aesthetics Expert Summits on a yearly basis, and we participate in all key congresses. We engage in ongoing clinical research efforts to contribute to evidence-based insights about our products.
AAM: What’s exciting for Merz in 2026 and cause for celebration?
G.M.: Our Belotero® Hyaluronic Acid range is turning twenty this year and will be celebrated with the launch of our new syringes, already available in twelve EMEA countries. Their enhanced ergonomics and control will allow a more precise and elevated injection experience. They were designed based on our KOLs’ input and it’s a big milestone for us. Regarding Ultherapy® PRIME, we are thrilled to announce two new indications: firming and toning of the skin on the arms and abdomen. This marks another major milestone as we expand the success story of over 3.5 million Ultherapy® treatments worldwide from the face, neck and décolleté to the body. Partnering with Salma Hayek Pinault as our worldwide brand ambassador for Ultherapy® PRIME was greatly received by consumers and doctors alike. Salma Hayek Pinault is in my eyes the embodiment of what authenticity, passion, empowerment and diversity signifies, as a Mexican Lebanese actress-producer married to a Frenchman! We are looking forward to continuing this partnership in 2026.
AAM: You have 30 projects going in R&D and 15 are anticipated to be approved by the FDA within 5 years. Which ones are the closest to being finalised?
G.M.: While we can’t disclose any more specifics about our pipeline, our focus remains – besides innovation – on geographic and indication expansions with our existing portfolio of products. In addition to these internal priorities, we are investing externally in partnerships that combine aesthetics with individualised, non-invasive treatments. We are currently collaborating with a biolab specialising in stem-cell science on a procedure that uses stem cells derived from hair follicles to deliver personalised treatments.
AAM: In France, beauty experts are claiming, supported by statistics, that men are the future of beauty. Have you noticed that trend and what is your advice to men?
G.M.: Men are the highest-growing segment in EMEA and having aesthetic treatments is more socially accepted today amongst them. However, they still represent a relatively small share of the market. My recommendation is to contact a trustworthy professional, have a consultation and communicate your expectations for natural-looking results. For example, jawline treatments are a key feature of enhancing masculinity and a youthful, energetic appearance, and they have become popular with men.
AAM: With all your travelling and intense schedule, what keeps you grounded and happy? Do you have a secret mantra?
G.M.: I stay grounded and happy thanks to my family and friends, to spending time with great people, especially my colleagues. I recharge by being inspired and by travelling. Music is an important part of my life. I play the guitar, go to rock concerts, and I also love to cook whenever I get the chance. My secret mantra is finding time every morning to thank the Universe. Developing gratitude practices is a source of happiness, and no matter what kind of a day you’re having, you can always find things to be grateful for. Focus on what you can control and let the rest flow.
