Leadership changes at The Estée Lauder Companies
The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) has announced several significant leadership transitions in recent months, including board changes, executive appointments, and organizational restructuring.
Ronald S. Lauder retires from Board; Eric Zinterhofer joins
Ronald S. Lauder has retired from ELC’s Board of Directors, with his son-in-law, Eric Zinterhofer, stepping in as his designated successor. “For more than 50 years, it has been an incredible honor and privilege to serve The Estée Lauder Companies,” said Lauder. “I am confident Eric’s experience and perspective will be an asset to the company’s long-term vision and plans to return to growth.”
Board Chair William P. Lauder expressed gratitude for Ronald Lauder’s service, stating, “His dedication and strategic vision have been integral to ensuring our company is built upon a strong foundation.” He welcomed Zinterhofer, emphasizing his “significant governance experience, strategic insight, and industry knowledge.”
Peter Jueptner to depart as Group President, International
Peter Jueptner, Group President, International, will leave ELC effective June 30, 2025. “Peter has been one of the key architects of The Estée Lauder Companies, helping to expand our brand portfolio and grow our global footprint,” said William P. Lauder in a media statement. President and CEO Stéphane de La Faverie added, “His legacy of growth, innovation, and strategic leadership will continue to inspire us for years to come.”
Jueptner, who joined in 2009, played a critical role in acquisitions such as Le Labo and Dr.Jart+. His leadership transformed the EMEA region and later influenced ELC’s global commercial strategy.
Michael Bowes appointed Chief People Officer
Michael Bowes has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Chief People Officer, effective April 1, 2025, succeeding Michael O’Hare. “Michael is a dynamic leader with a deep passion for people and culture,” said de La Faverie in a press statement. “His commitment to talent development and ability to foster collaboration make him the ideal leader to shape the future of our workforce.”
Bowes, who has been with ELC since 2015, has led Global Talent Acquisition and Executive Talent Management. He played a key role in implementing the company’s internal talent marketplace and leadership development programs.
Organizational restructuring to support “Beauty Reimagined” vision
As part of its strategic transformation, ELC has introduced a new executive team structure. According to the company’s press release, ELC is consolidating its regional operations into four geographic clusters:
- Nadine Graf will oversee EMEA, UK&I, and Emerging Markets.
- Tara Simon and Amber English will lead an Americas cluster combining Latin America and Canada.
- Joy Fan will continue leading mainland China.
- Matthew Growdon will lead the Asia-Pacific region, excluding China, and oversee Travel Retail Worldwide.
Additionally, Jane Hertzmark Hudis has been appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer, overseeing brand category clusters. Other key appointments include Roberto Canevari as Chief Value Chain Officer and Carl Haney leading Global Innovation and R&D.
CEO Stéphane de La Faverie emphasized the importance of the new structure in a media statement: “This new organizational framework will improve communication, accountability, and collaboration. I have full trust in this team to drive sustainable results and deliver on our bold Beauty Reimagined vision.”
Kenvue names Vikram Somaya Chief Data & Analytics Officer
Kenvue has appointed Vikram Somaya as Chief Data & Analytics Officer. In this role, Somaya will lead the company’s efforts in AI, enterprise data strategy, governance, intelligent automation, and data science.
Bernardo Tavares, Chief Technology & Data Officer, praised Somaya’s experience in a press statement, sharing, “Vikram brings to Kenvue a wealth of experience and expertise in global data and analytics, product development, and AI. With over 26 years of experience, he has a proven track record of building and scaling data-driven businesses across some of the world’s largest corporations and startups.”
Tavares further highlighted Somaya’s impact and noted that “His extensive knowledge and innovative thinking will be invaluable to the company as we continue to evolve our digital capabilities to create differentiated experiences for consumers, customers, and healthcare professionals, increase productivity and impact, and fuel profitable growth through scaled data and analytics products and services.”
Shiseido Americas appoints Edward Fox as Chief Commercial Officer
Shiseido Americas has named Edward Fox as Chief Commercial Officer, US. Fox is responsible for overseeing domestic sales and sales-related infrastructure for the company’s portfolio of prestige brands, including Clé de Peau Beauté, Shiseido, NARS, Drunk Elephant, Issey Miyake, Narciso Rodriguez, Hermès, and Tory Burch Beauty.
Ron Gee, President and CEO of Shiseido Americas, expressed enthusiasm for the appointment, stating in a media release, “We are thrilled to welcome Ed, an experienced business leader and talent developer, to the Shiseido Americas team.”
Gee added that “With his robust track record of driving strategic growth across luxury beauty brands, he is the ideal person to oversee our commercial function,” and “I am confident Ed’s expertise will further strengthen our senior leadership team and help accelerate our long-term, sustainable growth goals.”
Fox brings more than 25 years of experience from the Luxury Division of L’Oréal, where he worked across fragrance, skin care, and makeup brands such as Ralph Lauren, Lancôme, Kiehl’s, Yves Saint Laurent, Giorgio Armani, Valentino, and Viktor & Rolf.
Nutrafol names Dr. Kim Biedermann as Chief Research & Development Officer
Nutrafol has appointed Dr. Kim Biedermann, Ph.D., as Chief Research & Development Officer, marking the first major C-suite appointment under CEO Cindy Gustafson’s leadership. Dr. Biedermann brings over 25 years of R&D expertise from companies such as The Bountiful Company (Nestlé), Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, and GlaxoSmithKline.
Cindy Gustafson, CEO of Nutrafol, emphasized the significance of the appointment in a media release, stating, “Dr. Biedermann’s appointment represents a pivotal moment for Nutrafol as we expand our leadership in hair and skin wellness innovation.” Gustafson added, “Her exceptional background in R&D leadership and proven track record in developing breakthrough products aligns perfectly with our vision for the future.”
Dr. Biedermann echoed this excitement: “I am thrilled to join Nutrafol, a brand that has established itself as a pioneer in the hair and skin health category through its commitment to scientific excellence.” She added that “as I enter this role at a transformative time in the company’s growth journey, I look forward to leading Nutrafol’s research and development efforts, advancing our clinical research program, and working with our talented team to create breakthrough innovations that further cement Nutrafol’s position as the leader in hair and skin industries.”
Dr. Biedermann holds a Ph.D. from USC, completed post-doctoral studies at Stanford University, and has secured 25+ patents and 35+ scientific publications.
L’Oréal Groupe announces multiple leadership changes
L’Oréal Groupe has appointed Christina Fair as President of the Consumer Products Division for North America, Ali Goldstein as President of Acquisitions for L’Oréal USA, and Damien Favre as President of the L’Oréal Dermatological Beauty Division for North America.
Additionally, Carol Hamilton, who most recently served as L’Oréal Groupe’s US President of Acquisitions. has announced her retirement after a 40-year career with the company.
David Greenberg, CEO of L’Oréal USA, praised Fair’s leadership in a company press announcement, stating, “I have seen Tina step change every business she has run,” and “her strategic vision, bold decision-making, and entrepreneurial mindset position her and the Division for continued success.”
On Goldstein’s appointment, Greenberg commented, “Ali Goldstein’s unmatched knowledge of the industry, her sensitivity to spotting emerging trends, and her decades-long experience of building powerful brands make her the perfect candidate to lead our brand acquisition strategy into the future.”
Regarding Favre, Greenberg highlighted, “Damien’s dedication to driving innovation will undoubtedly fuel the Division to continue to deliver dermatological solutions that consumers need.”
Reflecting on Hamilton’s legacy, Greenberg stated, “Carol Hamilton’s leadership at L’Oréal has been nothing short of transformative.” He added that Hamilton’s “strategic vision propelled unprecedented growth for many brands in the portfolio,” and “beyond her sharp business acumen, Carol’s commitment to mentorship and talent development leaves an enduring legacy of leadership within L’Oréal.”
Stila Cosmetics announces new CFO and COO
Stila Cosmetics has appointed Steve Rosen as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and David Reece as Chief Operating Officer (COO), reinforcing the company’s commitment to growth and innovation.
CEO Michelle Kluz expressed enthusiasm about the new appointments, stating in a media release, “Steve and David are exceptional leaders with proven track records in the beauty and wellness industry, and we are thrilled to welcome them to the Stila team.”
Kluz added that “Steve’s financial background and strategic insight, paired with David’s operational expertise and deep industry experience, will play an instrumental role as we continue to reinvigorate and expand Stila’s presence in the global market.”
Rosen, a financial leader with over 30 years of experience, previously served as CFO at ZO Skin Health and spent 22 years at Estée Lauder in finance and M&A roles. Reece, a seasoned executive with over 20 years in beauty, health, and wellness, has held leadership positions at Herbalife, Beachbody, Beautycounter, and Ritual.
