Meet the Leaders Behind AVAVA
At AVAVA, innovation isn’t just a goal—it’s embedded in everything we do. Behind our breakthroughs in aesthetic technology is a leadership team whose expertise, vision, and passion fuel our mission to redefine what’s possible. Get to know the people steering AVAVA forward, their roles, and the unique perspectives they bring to our industry.
Irina Erenburg, Ph.D. – Founder, President & CEO
With a background in biomedical science and a track record of launching groundbreaking products, Irina is the driving force behind AVAVA’s mission to deliver transformative energy-based therapies. “At AVAVA, we don’t just innovate for today—we’re shaping the future of aesthetics,” she says. Irina’s leadership is inspired by her belief in the power of collaboration and her ability to identify untapped opportunities in the market.
Fun Fact: Irina co-founded several successful ventures, but she credits her early days of strategic deal-making for teaching her the importance of resilience.
Jay Bhawalkar – Chief Technology Officer
Jay is one of the leading physicists in the laser space, with decades of experience developing cutting-edge energy-based therapies. His groundbreaking work has been instrumental in the creation of AVAVA’s proprietary Focal Point Technology™, setting new standards in precision and energy delivery. “Physics is about pushing boundaries, and at AVAVA, we’re constantly redefining what’s possible,” he says.
Fun Fact: Jay is also an avid marathon runner, finding inspiration and mental clarity during his long runs, which he credits for sparking some of his most innovative ideas.
Rich Bankowski – Vice President, Global Clinical Affairs
Rich brings decades of experience in dermatological lasers and clinical development to AVAVA, ensuring that our technologies are not only effective but also practical for clinicians. “For me, it’s all about making a difference—helping practitioners offer treatments that truly benefit their patients,” Rich explains. His dedication to clinical excellence has been instrumental in shaping AVAVA’s reputation as a trusted partner in the aesthetic space.
Fun Fact: Rich once co-founded a cosmetic laser dermatology clinic and credits that experience with deepening his understanding of the provider-patient relationship. He’s also an avid sneaker collector, with an impressive collection of classic and rare designs.
Stephanie Mitchell – Vice President of Marketing
Stephanie’s creative approach to marketing has helped AVAVA carve out a unique space in a competitive industry. “We don’t just market products; we tell stories that connect with people,” she says. Her work combines data-driven strategy with a deep understanding of the customer journey, ensuring that every message resonates.
Fun Fact: Stephanie is rarely one to say no to a good adventure, she enjoys trying new things and experiencing all the fun life has to offer.
Vanessa V. Vonderhide – Vice President, Human Resources
Vanessa is an accomplished HR leader with over 15 years of experience driving organizational growth, fostering engagement, and aligning HR initiatives with business goals. With a background spanning pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical devices, she brings a unique ability to bridge the gap between R&D and HR strategies to support innovation.
Fun Fact: As a child actress, Vanessa appeared in a telenovela and later hosted a talk show in Connecticut. She also modeled as a teenager, focusing on makeup modeling, which sparked her lifelong passion for beauty and fashion.
Brandon Romano – Vice President, Finance
Brandon is the financial architect of AVAVA, ensuring that the company remains both innovative and sustainable. “My goal is to make sure every decision we make is grounded in smart financial strategy while supporting our vision for growth,” Brandon explains. His expertise in aligning financial goals with strategic initiatives has been vital to AVAVA’s success.
Fun Fact: Brandon collects watches and enjoys exploring the craftsmanship and history behind unique timepieces.
What Drives Us
The AVAVA leadership team is united by a shared vision: to create technologies that inspire confidence and deliver results for all skin tones and types. Each member brings a wealth of expertise, a commitment to innovation, and a dedication to making a lasting impact in aesthetics.
As Irina puts it: “At the heart of everything we do is a belief in the power of transformation—whether it’s skin, technology, or the lives we touch.”
