The Body Shop Interim CEO departs as Aurelius takes control

The Body Shop has confirmed the of Interim CEO Ian Bickley, following its sale to private equity firm Aurelius.

Bickley joined The Body Shop in April 2023, replacing David Boynton, who stepped down after almost five and a half years at the business.

In this role, Bickley worked with the brand's leadership team to help "refine the current business plan and transformation agenda, as well as accelerate profitability and return to sustainable revenue".

It is currently unclear who will replace Bickley, however, The Body Shop said it will appoint a new CEO "in due course".

Looking ahead, a dedicated Aurelius team will work closely with The Body Shop to develop a "strong, long-term strategy, supported by the right structure and operating model".

It said the immediate focus will be on its separation from former owner Natura & Co and continuing the transformation outlined last year.

In a statement, The Body Shop said: "Ian was a member of, former owner, Natura &Co’s board, when he stepped into the Interim CEO role in April 2023, tasked with transitioning The Body Shop to a more stable footing.

"In taking initial steps to turnaround The Body Shop’s performance and steering the business through the sale process, he has achieved his goal. Now Aurelius are in place as the new owners, it is time to hand over leadership.

"The Body Shop was the original trailblazer business, setting environmental and ethical standards for all beauty brands, and looks forward to reclaiming this leadership position. It would like to thank Ian for his stewardship through this important period and wish him every success."

The move follows the recent acquisition of The Body Shop by Aurelius from Brazilian beauty group Natura & Co.

Aurelius believes that, despite the challenging retail market, there is an opportunity to "re-energise" the business and enable it to take advantage of positive trends in the high-growth beauty market.

Last week, The Body Shop became the first global beauty brand to achieve 100% vegan product formulations across all ranges.

The achievement, which has been certified by The Vegan Society, covers the brand's entire skincare, bodycare, haircare, makeup and fragrance lines.