Glossier appoints former P&G exec as CEO to lead next phase of growth

Glossier has named Colin Walsh as its new CEO, succeeding Kyle Leahy. He will officially step into the role this October, guiding the brand into its next chapter.

Walsh joins Glossier from Procter & Gamble, where he served as CEO of Special Beauty from June 2023 to August 2025. Prior to this, he was CEO at haircare brand Ouai for almost six years.

Glossier founder Emily Weiss said: "I am thrilled to share the news that Colin Walsh is joining us as Glossier's new CEO.

"This was an exciting search, and there was one person whose name kept coming up who Kyle Leahy and I knew would be the perfect fit. Even on my first call with our recruiter, he said: 'I mean, what you want is a Colin Walsh type. That’s the dream'.

"Colin is one of the top CEOs in beauty, who has led brands through incredible growth. He is respected and adored by peers and his teams alike, and most importantly, believes deeply in brand magic. A true lover of beauty, of people and their potential, and of having a good time while working hard, we are so excited to have him guide this next chapter for Glossier."

Founded by Weiss in 2014, Glossier emerged from Into The Gloss - a beauty website and community dedicated to honest conversations about beauty brands and products.

From formulations to packaging, skincare to cosmetics, Glossier was built with a mission to make beauty accessible, approachable, and uncomplicated.

In 2022, Weiss stepped down as CEO, passing the reins to Kyle Leahy, who will step down at the end of this year. Her departure marks the close of a pivotal chapter in Glossier’s evolution.

During her tenure, Leahy steered the brand through a significant transformation, moving beyond its original direct-to-consumer model and embracing traditional retail.

A key milestone was Glossier’s long-awaited debut at Sephora in February 2023 - a strategic expansion that helped fuel the brand’s growth in new markets including the UK, Middle East, Mexico and, most recently, France.

Under Leahy’s leadership, Glossier also invested heavily in its fragrance category, which has since become the brand’s largest product segment.

"I am immensely grateful for this once in a lifetime journey to lead a brand that has changed, and continues to change, how the world sees beauty. I am honoured to have been part of this legacy, and now honoured to pass the baton over to Colin," said Leahy.