Nicolas Hieronimus named L’Oréal CEO, Barbara Lavernos Deputy CEO from May 2021

Nicolas Hieronimus: Ascends to the CEO role from May after 33 years at the group

The L’Oréal Group board today confirmed the appointment of Nicolas Hieronimus as Chief Executive Officer from May 2021, with Barbara Lavernos – who headed the company’s travel retail division from 2012 to 2014 – named as Deputy CEO.

Current CEO Jean-Paul Agon – who as reported must legally relinquish the role next year aged 65 – will stay on as Chairman.

Hieronimus joined L’Oréal 33 years ago and has spent all his career with the group across many countries and divisions. He has been Deputy CEO in charge of Divisions since 2017.

Ms Lavernos, who will lead Research, Innovation, Technology from February 2021, takes the Deputy CEO role on the same date, 1 May.

Barbara Lavernos: Has led several group divisions, including travel retail

Jean-Paul Agon said: “At my request, the Appointments and Governance Committee started working very early, on an in-depth process to select the new Chief Executive Officer, which it conducted in an exemplary manner.

“Nicolas Hieronimus is an inspiring leader who has all the qualities required to be the CEO of L’Oréal.

“His great sensitivity to the needs and expectations of consumers, his perfect understanding of the spirit of the times, his marketing experience of beauty in all channels, countries and categories, his intimate knowledge of the Group’s brands and his ability to unite and engage teams make him the best candidate to lead L’Oréal.

“Given her background, skills and personal qualities, Barbara Lavernos is perfectly equipped to take on the strategic role of Deputy CEO. With her appointment, Research is placed at the highest level of the Group, confirming its critical role for L’Oréal. The new Direction, combining R&I and Technology will be the cradle of the Group’s great inventions for the future.”

Agon added: “These changes reflect a spirit of great continuity, to which L’Oréal has always been attached. I am convinced that Nicolas Hieronimus will lead our Group to new successes, with the full support of the 88 000 employees of L’Oréal.

“As Chairman, I will be delighted to continue to serve the future of L’Oréal and to pursue our ambition of economic and financial performance, and environmental, social and ethical exemplarity.”

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