Jamie Matusow, Editor-in-Chief , with Joanna Cosgrove, Contributing Editor11.02.18
Mary Kay is #15 on this year's list of Top Global Beauty Companies.
Below is a look at the company’s 2018 highlights, recent acquisitions, best-selling brands, and latest innovations.
Beauty Sales
$3.5 billion (est.)
(FY 2017: $3.5 billion, est.)
Key Personnel
- Richard Rogers, executive chairman
- David Holl, president and chief executive officer
- Lucy Gildea, PhD, chief scientific officer
- Sheryl Adkins-Green, chief marketing officer
- Thomas Cho, chief supply chain officer
- KK Chua, president, Asia Pacific
- Tara Eustace, president, Europe
- Nathan Moore, president, North America
- Jose Smeke, president, Latin America
Major Products
- Skincare, color cosmetics, body care, sun care
- and fine fragrances marketed under the Mary Kay and TimeWise brand names.
New Products
- TimeWise Miracle Set 3D,
- TimeWise Vitamin C Activating Squares
Mary Kay Expands Its Presence
With an independent sales force spanning 40 countries, Mary Kay is home to a global portfolio of more than 1,400 patents for products, technologies and packaging designs.
In September, Mary Kay expanded its Latin America presence by officially opening the doors to a new headquarters in Peru that encompasses the company’s operations for the entire country. Mary Kay made an initial investment of $9 million in the Peru-based subsidiary and the opening comes on the heels of its launch in neighboring Colombia in 2015.
“We are proud to further expand our operations in Latin America with the opening of Mary Kay Peru,” said David Holl, president and chief executive officer for Mary Kay Inc. “As the demand for high-quality products increases and the entrepreneurial spirit strengthens with the country’s economic growth, we anticipate a successful launch in Peru.”
Mary Kay also continued to be a company that advocates for more than just a woman’s beauty. Throughout 2017, the company was involved in a variety of fundraising work that spanned domestic violence and sexual assault and tackled the issue of teen and young adult dating abuse.
News of Note in 2018
In January 2018, Mary Kay affirmed its commitment to skin science research by sponsoring a symposium at the International Instigative Dermatology Meeting. The company has long supported research grants and projects with the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in both skin-care and women’s health and has also been involved with the American Academy of Dermatology and the Society of Cosmetic Chemists. Mary Kay’s most recent research initiative focuses on the harmful effects of air pollution, UV radiation and other environmental stressors on the skin and is responding to the rising concern of pollution and declining air quality around the world.
In May, Mary Kay launched TimeWise Miracle Set 3D, the company’s new skin regimen approach to treating premature skin aging that’s powered by exclusive, patent-pending technology. The $110 collection was five years in development and represents the largest product launch in the company’s history. It’s comprised of a cleanser, SPF 30-day lotion, eye cream, and nighttime moisturizer that take a “three-dimensional approach” and promises to deliver visible results of younger-looking skin in only four weeks.
In September, the company celebrated its 55th anniversary and simultaneously commemorated what would have been founder Mary Kay Ash’s 100th birthday on May 12th. David Holl, president and CEO, commented that since the company’s inception in 1963, its mission has been and always will be to enrich women’s lives. To that end, he said the company looked forward to moving into its new $100 million U.S.-based 480,000 square foot global manufacturing and research and development center in Lewisville, TX, which began construction in 2016.
In celebration of the company’s anniversary, and the beauty brand’s signature pink color, the company partnered with The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (MFIT) in New York City to unveil its special exhibition, “Pink: The History of a Punk, Pretty, Powerful Color.” The exhibition runs from September through January 5, 2019.
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