Charles Sternberg, Associate Editor11.14.22
Beauty companies are always adapting to meet the challenges of a constantly evolving world—and as a result, the industry is always witnessing significant leadership changes.
Sometimes leadership changes are spurred by the pursuit of new business strategies and initiatives, but other times, departures are symptomatic of major disruptions in companies’ plans. In the past month, we witnessed some of both.
The following are the most significant CEO changes of November 2022:
Boswell has more than 30 years of experience, including extensive beauty and personal care leadership roles at global companies such as Unilever, Alberto Culver Company and The Estee Lauder Companies.
Meanwhile, Sarah E. Nash, who has served as executive chair of the Board since February 2022 and interim chief executive officer since May 2022, will remain executive chair through the end of the company’s fiscal year on January 28, 2023, at which time she will transition back to chair of the Board.
In October, Minto announced that he was temporarily stepping back from his day-to-day duties while the investigation into the group’s auditing failures was completed.
Revolution Beauty’s executive chairman Tim Allsworth also agreed to voluntarily step away during the independent probe.
In another move, Kentaro Fujiwara, currently senior executive officer and China Region CEO, will be appointed president and chief operating officer. Fujiwara is expected to be chosen as representative director at the company’s next board meeting in March.
Fujiwara’s appointment as Uotani’s successor may indicate where Shiseido sees its future: China.
De Laere joins Saje with an accomplished history at L'Oréal and Estee Lauder, most recently leading Aveda as global brand president. Upon taking the helm at Aveda in 2016, De Laere focused the brand on developing and distributing efficacious, plant-powered products and creating a seamless customer experience. It is this experience with effective, plant-powered products that brings Barbara to Saje Natural Wellness, where she will lead the brand's expansion and growth across North America.
Sometimes leadership changes are spurred by the pursuit of new business strategies and initiatives, but other times, departures are symptomatic of major disruptions in companies’ plans. In the past month, we witnessed some of both.
The following are the most significant CEO changes of November 2022:
Bath & Body Works Appoints Gina Boswell as CEO
Earlier this month, Bath & Body Works Inc.’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to appoint Gina Boswell as chief executive officer and a member of the Board, effective December 1, 2022.Boswell has more than 30 years of experience, including extensive beauty and personal care leadership roles at global companies such as Unilever, Alberto Culver Company and The Estee Lauder Companies.
Meanwhile, Sarah E. Nash, who has served as executive chair of the Board since February 2022 and interim chief executive officer since May 2022, will remain executive chair through the end of the company’s fiscal year on January 28, 2023, at which time she will transition back to chair of the Board.
Revolution Beauty Founder & CEO Adam Minto Resigns
Revolution Beauty Group’s founder and chief executive officer, Adam Minto, recently stepped down with immediate effect amid an accounting probe.In October, Minto announced that he was temporarily stepping back from his day-to-day duties while the investigation into the group’s auditing failures was completed.
Revolution Beauty’s executive chairman Tim Allsworth also agreed to voluntarily step away during the independent probe.
Shiseido Group President & CEO Masahiko Uotani Announces Plans to Retire
Shiseido Group president and CEO Masahiko Uotani recently announced plans to retire within the next two years. In 2023, Uotani’s role will change to representative director, chairman and CEO.In another move, Kentaro Fujiwara, currently senior executive officer and China Region CEO, will be appointed president and chief operating officer. Fujiwara is expected to be chosen as representative director at the company’s next board meeting in March.
Fujiwara’s appointment as Uotani’s successor may indicate where Shiseido sees its future: China.
Saje Natural Wellness Taps Barbara De Laere as CEO
Saje Natural Wellness, a leader in 100% natural essential oil-based wellness products, recently tapped former L’Oréal and Estée Lauder executive Barbara De Laere as its chief executive officer, effective immediately.De Laere joins Saje with an accomplished history at L'Oréal and Estee Lauder, most recently leading Aveda as global brand president. Upon taking the helm at Aveda in 2016, De Laere focused the brand on developing and distributing efficacious, plant-powered products and creating a seamless customer experience. It is this experience with effective, plant-powered products that brings Barbara to Saje Natural Wellness, where she will lead the brand's expansion and growth across North America.