03.07.22
Francois Bonin is the new chief executive of Naturium. Appointed by founder Susan Yara, Bonin has a career that spans over two decades in beauty.
He has held executive finance, sales and operations roles at LVMH. (Note: LVMH ranks ninth on our Top 20 Global Companies list).
Bonin served as COO for 11 years at LVMH's Fresh, and later was COO of Tatcha and BH Cosmetics.
At Tatcha, Bonin was part of the team that led the business to a successful and swift sale to the Unilever Prestige Division. Most recently, Bonin has spent the last few months helping see BH Cosmetics through their transaction to Revolution Beauty.
Bonin says, "I have been impressed by the immediate success and positioning of Naturium's clinically-effective biocompatible skincare and now body care. I am excited to build and lead the Naturium team to the next chapter of growth."
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Naturium Sets Sights on Growth
Drawn to Bonin's strong finance and operations background, Yara has tasked him to prepare Naturium for scale.Bonin's priority is to grow the Naturium team and to set proper systems in place to prepare the brand for new domestic and international distribution
Yara says, "In less than two years, we've built a compelling brand with several superstar formulas and a dedicated customer base. Francois brings operational and finance experience paired with a clear strategic vision for growth that we need to set up for success as we scale."
Yara adds, "I believe Naturium has the potential of becoming a global brand and Francois is the right leader to help us get there."
Naturium was launched by Ben Bennett's The Center in October 2019, as he identified an opportunity and need for ingredient-led, efficacious skincare products at an affordable price point. (Ben Bennett's The Center was recently covered by Glossy and Beauty Indpependent.)
After testing the concept via DTC, Yara joined The Center as co-owner of Naturium in June 2020. Since then, Yara has led the business to explosive growth, expanding distribution into Target and recently launching a new range of body care products.
Naturium is projected to exceed retail sales of $50 million in 2022.
Ben Bennett will be taking a step back to give his focus to The Center's other brands, MAKE Beauty, Saltair and Phlur. (Note—Phlur just relaunched with a new look.) He will take on the role as advisor and board member to Naturium.