Meet Our Team
"I believe that wellness should be sensory, scientific, and sustainable. Chocolate can be both healing and joyful — if you craft it right."
Dr. Katarina Verhaegen
Founder, Chocolat Essentiel
R&D Innovator in Chocolate, Wellness, and Functional Food Design
Katarina is the scientific and creative force behind Chocolat Essentiel, where she fuses her deep background in biomedical innovation with her passion for natural health and elegant product experiences. With a PhD in Electromechanical Engineering from KU Leuven and advanced training in Orthomolecular Science, she brings both precision and plant-based understanding to her work.
She previously led research teams in nanotechnology at IMEC, co-founded the clean energy company WeWatt, and spent over a decade directing product innovation at 2Watt, her consulting venture focused on health and energy systems. At Chocolat Essentiel, Katarina pioneered a line of herbal chocolates that integrate essential oils and botanical science into indulgent, dose-controlled daily rituals — now launching across Europe and the Middle East.
The Partners in Innovation and Impact
Dr. Abrar Zafar, Peter Messely, and Dr. Walter Luyten
(Left to right in photo)
Prof. Dr. Walter Luyten
Chief Scientific & Innovation Officer
Scientific Visionary in Functional Foods & Medicinal Plant Research
Dr. Walter Luyten brings a unique synthesis of biotechnology, neuroscience, and pharmacognosy to Chocolat Essentiel. With over 30 years of experience in drug discovery, plant-based therapeutics, and biomedical innovation, Walter bridges rigorous science with functional wellness.
Holding both an MD and PhD in Neuroscience, he has held academic leadership roles as a professor at KU Leuven and served as Executive Director at Janssen Pharmaceutica (Johnson & Johnson), where he led international drug discovery programs. His research focuses on medicinal plants, longevity science, and the gut-brain axis, and he is widely recognized for his contributions to natural product pharmacology.
At Chocolat Essentiel, Walter leads scientific strategy and product formulation, ensuring each botanical ingredient is evidence-backed, well-dosed, and biocompatible. He oversees all R&D and regulatory compliance, helping shape the company into a trusted leader in wellness-infused chocolate.
"Functional food is the bridge between indulgence and health. With Chocolat Essentiel, we’re creating that bridge — one piece of chocolate at a time."
Peter Messely
Creative Director
Master Chocolatier & Brand Visionary in Premium Belgian Craftsmanship
With over two decades dedicated to the craft of premium Belgian chocolate, Peter Messely is the founding creative force behind Chocolat Essentiel. His journey began in the kitchen as a pastry chef, where he discovered a lifelong passion for cacao as both a culinary art form and a medium for connection.
Peter’s expertise evolved into a full-fledged wellness mission — blending indulgence with intention. Through Chocolat Essentiel, he reimagines chocolate not only as a luxury but as a functional wellness experience. Under his leadership, the company combines botanical science, clean-label formulations, and sensory storytelling to deliver products that heal as much as they delight.
He also champions sustainable sourcing and regenerative agriculture, contributing to reforestation programs that plant over 10,000 cacao trees annually, empowering farming communities and preserving biodiversity.
"Chocolate is more than flavor — it’s a feeling. With every bar we craft, we honor the senses, the soil, and the science of well-being."
Dr. Abrar Zafar
Chief Strategy & Operations Officer
Visionary Leader in Strategic Execution, Digital Health & Operational Transformation
Dr. Abrar Zafar is a purpose-driven strategist with a passion for turning vision into execution. With over 30 years of international experience, Abrar has helped global organizations scale by defining clear strategic direction, aligning teams through authentic leadership, and driving disciplined execution to deliver tangible, transformative outcomes.
He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration focused on hospital supply chains, and executive credentials from Harvard, MIT, and Wharton — blending thought leadership with practical innovation. His professional background spans leading multinationals such as Johnson & Johnson, Baxter Healthcare, and the UN World Food Programme, where he directed global projects in ERP systems, AI transformation, and supply chain optimization.
At Chocolat Essentiel, Abrar plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s long-term growth strategy, ensuring operational excellence, digital agility, and supply chain scalability. He is also responsible for building investor confidence, financial discipline, and the infrastructure required for global expansion.
"I believe in leading with empathy, executing with discipline, and delivering with impact. At Chocolat Essentiel, we’re building more than a brand — we’re shaping a new way to deliver wellness at scale."