INTRODUCTION. The Moodie Davitt Report brings you the latest instalment in our popular new series Ten Easy Pieces*, in which we get up close and personal with leading industry personalities in travel retail via ten questions.
This time we meet Moroccanoil Vice President, Retail and Travel Retail Sales and all-round life enthusiast John Gates.
1. Tell us about John Gates. Where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised in sunny Florida on the Gulf of Mexico. I moved to New York in 1986, accepting my first position in the beauty industry with the Aramis Division of Estée Lauder.
I was introduced to my love of travel from my Father (he worked for Eastern Airlines) and I began travelling myself at the age of 14, learning how to navigate through airports early on.
2. You’ve travelled all over the world with work. If you had to choose one place to settle down forever, where would it be and why?
For spring/summer it would be on a beach in the Mediterranean because of my affinity for the ocean and all things seaside. I especially love the Spanish Balearic Islands. Fall/winter would be my home in Palm Springs, California because of the outdoor living, topography and casualness of the people, climate and lifestyle.
3. What do you like to do in your spare time when you’re not travelling the globe?
I like to restore and renovate homes and take long walks on the beach with my partner, best friend and dog, Zuzzie. As I am travelling for work or pleasure, I enjoy visiting museums and galleries in search of new and upcoming contemporary artists and art.
4. When and in what role did you enter the beauty industry?
1986 saw me enter the beauty industry with The Estée Lauder Corporation, Aramis Division, in New York. I was a Business Manager and the experience was the most formative training and education as it set the foundation for my career. It was an opportunity to further develop my strategic and creative skills of launching new products and categories as well as developing stronger management skills to oversee a team.
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My Grandmother – she was an independent and forward thinker. As both of my parents were young when they had me, I spent a lot of time in my early childhood with my grandparents. My Grandmother was always accepting of all people and nationalities, which set the tone for me to travel the world and feel comfortable in any environment and social setting.
6. For someone that travels constantly, you have one of the most energetic personalities out there. What’s your secret?
Passion and enthusiasm. Passion for life and the enthusiasm to experience new adventures and challenges.
The secret is to remain mentally and physically active while carving time for friends and family to enjoy life’s pleasures together. It is also no coincidence that my 16 nieces and nephews keep me very active and connected to the youth of today and tomorrow.
7. What drew you to Moroccanoil and what is it like working with Founder Carmen Tal?
The passion and enthusiasm that Carmen and everyone at Moroccanoil innately has for life, themselves and the brand drew me there. Working with Carmen Tal is unconventional and very special; she empowers one’s creativity and encourages a work/life balance. She also solicits the opinion of all internal employees for their feedback on advertising campaigns and new product launches.
8. Tell us about the highlights of your time at Moroccanoil.
The moment that sticks out is when management and directors from various departments sat with Carmen and we realised that Moroccanoil was more than just a haircare company. We began formatting strategies as to what this would look like and how we would speak to the industry and end consumer regarding this next exciting venture together: “One brand, a world of oil infused beauty”.
Another highlight has been travelling through Europe and Asia and opening POS within major international airports, and my first business trip to show the brand at TFWA Singapore and Cannes shows.
9. Where do you see the brand in five years’ time?
I see Moroccanoil as a global multi-category oil-infused lifestyle and beauty brand and having built brand equity within the Americas and Europe. I also see the brand entering into emerging markets such as South East Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe.
10. Finally, if you could give one pearl of beauty wisdom, what would it be?
Beauty is an inside job…always be kind and giving.
*PREVIOUSLY FEATURED IN TEN EASY PIECES
Meet Furla Global Travel Retail Director Gerry Munday
Meet Genie-S Vice President Ralph Bou Nader
Meet Daniel Wellington Founder Filip Tysander
Meet Tumi’s Fernando Ciccarelli
