In Review 2025: This year's big beauty appointments
The beauty industry has seen a wave of high-profile senior leadership appointments across major brands and retailers this year.
TheIndustry.beauty has compiled a list of the most notable leadership changes of 2025, as well as some of the most high-profile exits.
Glossier appoints former P&G exec as CEO to lead next phase of growth
Glossier named Colin Walsh as its new CEO, succeeding Kyle Leahy. Walsh joined Glossier in October, bringing experience from P&G, where he served as CEO of Special Beauty from June 2023 to August 2025. Prior to this, he was CEO of the haircare brand Ouai for nearly six years.
Skims appoints Ami Colé founder as Executive Vice President of Beauty & Fragrance
Skims hired Diarrha N'Diaye as its new EVP of Beauty & Fragrance, where she oversees product development and brand strategy for the rapidly expanding label. Having previously held roles at Glossier and L’Oréal, N'Diaye went on to found the inclusive beauty brand Ami Colé in 2021, which she announced plans to wind down earlier this year.
MAC Cosmetics names Global Creative Director
MAC Cosmetics named Nicola Formichetti as Global Creative Director, setting the stage for a "new era of innovation and self-expression" at the brand. In this role, Formichetti shapes the strategy, conceptualisation and execution of MAC’s creative vision, elevating the brand’s global image and impact across every touchpoint - from campaigns and social media platforms to product, packaging, and immersive retail experiences.
Sol de Janeiro names Chief Marketing & Digital Officer to drive next chapter of growth
Sol de Janeiro appointed Jordan Saxemard as Global Chief Marketing & Digital Officer. The French-American executive, who has more than 20 years of experience in brand leadership, will oversee global brand and product marketing, communications, digital initiatives, and consumer engagement strategy. He joined after holding senior roles in beauty, luxury, and technology, including President for the Americas and EMEA at Dyson, where he oversaw commercial and marketing initiatives.
The Body Shop appoints new CEO to lead next phase of growth
The Body Shop named Mike Jatania as CEO, succeeding Charles Denton, who took on the role last year following the brand’s acquisition by Auréa. Denton was brought in by Auréa last September to lead the turnaround of The Body Shop. He handed over the reins to Executive Chairman Jatania, one of the founders behind Auréa, in July.
Holland & Barrett names new CEO to steer next phase of transformation
Holland & Barrett appointed Anthony Houghton as Group CEO as the company embarked on its next chapter of growth and transformation. Houghton first joined the British retailer as Group Retail & Property Director in 2018, before serving as COO and more recently as CEO for UK&I. His appointment as Group CEO reflected Holland & Barrett’s focus on "stability and strong succession planning" with a continued focus on "the delivery of the company’s transformation strategy".
Supergoop appoints new CEO to drive 'next era of growth'
SPF brand Supergoop appointed Melis del Rey as CEO. With expertise in brand building, beauty technology innovation, and scaling businesses with retail partnerships to unlock shared growth, del Rey brings more than two decades of experience in the global beauty and consumer products industry. Her leadership spans roles at both Amazon and P&G. Most recently, she served as General Manager of Amazon US Health & Beauty, where she led the transformation of its US beauty business.
Victoria Beckham Beauty appoints new CEO
Victoria Beckham Beauty appointed Lauren Edelman as its new CEO, replacing Katia Beauchamp, who stepped down after more than two years in the role. Edelman previously served as Global Chief Marketing Officer at the prestige beauty brand from May 2023. Prior to this, she was SVP of Global Marketing & Creative at Rose Inc. She also held a number of senior marketing roles at Chanel, L’Oréal, and Bourjois.
Coty appoints new General Manager at Kylie Cosmetics
Coty named Nicolas Tordjman as General Manager of Kylie Cosmetics, succeeding Vanessa Reggiardo, who was promoted to Executive Vice President of Global Brands & New Product Development. The company said Tordjman has been a key driver behind the brand's global expansion and category growth, leading several product launches, including the Skin Tint Blurring Elixir and the Cosmic Kylie Jenner fragrance franchise. Prior to this, Tordjman held roles at Procter & Gamble, strengthening his expertise in the beauty and consumer goods sectors.
CGC strengthens leadership with Jessica Diner and Veronika Ullmer as it enters next phase of growth
Communications and talent agency CGC expanded its leadership team with the appointments of Vogue's Jessica Diner and Veronika Ullmer, previously at Glossier, marking an important stage in the company’s continued global growth. Diner joined as Chief Global Brand & Creative Officer, while Ullmer stepped in as President & Chief Communications Officer. Both leaders work alongside CGC founder Clare Goodwin.
Ariana Grande’s R.e.m. Beauty names former MAC Cosmetics GM as CEO
Ariana Grande's R.e.m. Beauty appointed André Branch as CEO as the brand continues to scale within the competitive celebrity-led beauty space. Branch joined from The Estée Lauder Companies, where he served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of MAC Cosmetics North America. He also brings experience from his tenure as SVP of Digital and E-commerce Operations at L’Oréal, along with a diverse background across consumer goods gained through roles at companies such as Deloitte and The Nature’s Bounty Company.
Ex-Dermalogica exec joins Skin Rocks Pro as Head of Business Development
Skin Rocks, the skincare brand founded by Caroline Hirons, appointed Michelle Hindmarch as Head of Business Development for its professional arm, Skin Rocks Pro. A former therapist, Hindmarch's career has taken her from "treatment room to senior leadership". She is responsible for building Skin Rocks Pro’s presence across the UK and Ireland through strategic partnerships with clinics, salons and spas.
Harvey Nichols welcomes new Beauty Buying & Merchandising Director
Harvey Nichols appointed Lucy McPhail as Beauty Buying & Merchandising Director, replacing Clare Horner, who left the retailer after four and a half years as Beauty Director. McPhail brings experience from senior positions at Threads Styling, Liberty, and Harrods. She also previously served as a Strategic Consultant to Space NK for two years.
Estée Lauder welcomes new UK boss for MAC Cosmetics, Bobbi Brown and Too Faced
The Estée Lauder Companies appointed Sara Staniford as Vice President and General Manager for MAC Cosmetics, Bobbi Brown and Too Faced in the UK and Ireland. Staniford joined the company from Huda Beauty, where she served as General Manager for Europe. Prior to this, she was Global Retail Director and President at Revolution Beauty. She has also held senior sales and commercial roles at Nails.INC and WBA.
Kering Beauté appoints new CEO at Creed
Kering Beauté named Nathalie Berger-Duquene as CEO of Creed, replacing Sarah Rotheram. In this role, Berger-Duquene oversees the next phase of development for the business. She joined Kering Beauté in May from The Estée Lauder Companies, where she served as Global General Manager of luxury brand Balmain Beauty since July 2022.
Notable leadership exits
Elemis UK General Manager exits
Susan Harvey, General Manager for the UK at Elemis, confirmed her departure from the British skincare brand after nearly 14 years.
Harvey Nichols beauty boss Clare Horner departs
Clare Horner, Beauty Director at Harvey Nichols, left the British department store after four and a half years in the role.
M&S Marketing Director Anna Braithwaite exits
Marks & Spencer Marketing Director Anna Braithwaite confirmed her exit as she prepared to “embark on a new chapter” at fellow department store John Lewis.
Liberty confirms exit of Retail Managing Director
Sarah Coonan, Retail Managing Director at Liberty, announced her departure from the luxury department store after fifteen years with the business.
Founder Ben Gorham to exit Byredo
Ben Gorham exited Byredo at the end of June, stepping away from the luxury brand he founded in 2006 following its acquisition by Puig.
Boots CMO steps down
Pete Markey, Chief Marketing Officer at Boots, left after four and a half years in the role.
Founder Holly Thaggard steps back from Supergoop
Supergoop founder Holly Thaggard stepped back from the SPF brand she launched two decades ago.
Revolution Beauty CEO exits
Revolution Beauty confirmed that CEO Lauren Brindley would leave the company in May 2025.
Unilever boss leaves
Unilever announced that CEO Hein Schumacher would step down in March after less than two years in the role.
British brand founder exits Isle of Paradise
Jules Von Hep, the celebrity spray-tanning artist who founded Isle of Paradise seven years ago, announced his resignation from the brand earlier this year.
