The Estée Lauder Companies has announced changes to its executive leadership teams at La Mer, MAC Cosmetics, Le Labo, and Dr. Jart+ and Do The Right Thing. All appointments came into effect on 1 January.
Justin Boxford has been promoted to the role of La Mer Global Brand President, after spending three years as the brand’s Global General Manager. In his previous role, Boxford was integral in transforming La Mer’s digital platforms and increasing global consumer engagement.
He also spearheaded many ‘best-in-class’ corporate transformation initiatives and oversaw key collaborations, most notably with legendary fashion photographer Mario Sorrenti. Boxford also led La Mer’s launch on Tmall, where he increased focus on digital-first content.
During his time as La Mer Global Brand Manager, Boxford helped La Mer double in size and reach more than US$1 billion net sales in 2018. It became only the fourth brand within The Estée Lauder Companies’s portfolio to achieve this milestone.
“I am thrilled Justin will continue leading La Mer as Global Brand President, further leveraging the brand’s luxury skin care position and engaging new generations of consumers.” – The Estée Lauder Companies Group President Jane Hertzmark Hudis
Prior to his role with La Mer, Boxford spent ten years leading the flagship Estée Lauder and Tom Ford Beauty brands in Asia Pacific. During that time, he helped grow both brands’ online businesses and create effective omnichannel experiences, specifically geared towards Chinese consumers.
In his new role as Global Brand President, Boxford will continue to “nurture and strengthen” the La Mer brand, according to The Estée Lauder Companies Group President Jane Hertzmark Hudis.
“Justin’s extensive luxury beauty experience and global point of view, combined with his expertise in brand-building, driving engagement, and omnichannel strategies make him uniquely suited to lead La Mer’s next phase of global growth,” she said.
“I am thrilled Justin will continue leading La Mer as Global Brand President, further leveraging the brand’s luxury skin care position and engaging new generations of consumers.”
Philippe Pinatel has been promoted to the role of MAC Cosmetics Global Brand President.
He originally joined MAC Cosmetics in 2018 as Senior Vice President and Global General Manager.
In his previous role, Pinatel drove positive momentum and built brand capabilities, according to The Estée Lauder Companies.
He brings more than 20 years of global beauty retail experience to his new role as Global Brand President.
Prior to joining The Estée Lauder Companies, he held top management positions at Sephora and digital-first beauty subscription service Birchbox.
As MAC Cosmetics Global Brand President, Pinatel will be tasked with spearheading the brand’s transformation, targeting new capabilities, and building a strong foundation for further growth.
“Philippe’s and Deborah’s respective promotions recognise their outstanding leadership and ability to cultivate and nurture two iconic brands” – The Estée Lauder Companies Executive Group President John Demsey.
Deborah Royer has been promoted to the role of Le Labo Global Brand President and Chief Creative Officer.
She joined The Estée Lauder Companies in 2015 as Le Labo Global General Manager and Chief Creative Officer, one year after the global beauty giant completed the acquisition of the New York-based fragrance brand.
During her tenure as Global General Manager and Chief Creative Officer, Royer helped develop new capabilities and partnerships that resulted in double-digit growth.
In her new role, Royer will “continue to develop and execute a sustainable growth model for the brand and market its unique appeal to customers all over the world,” according to The Estée Lauder Companies.
“Philippe’s and Deborah’s respective promotions recognise their outstanding leadership and ability to cultivate and nurture two iconic brands,” said The Estée Lauder Companies Executive Group President John Demsey.
“Artistry, culture and creativity are at the heart of both MAC Cosmetics and Le Labo, and Philippe and Deborah have each demonstrated the ability to preserve and leverage the core brand equities while driving growth and accelerating the strategic evolution of their businesses to meet the needs of consumers today.”
Christopher Wood has been appointed to President North Asia (Japan/Korea) and President of Dr. Jart+ and Do The Right Thing.
He reports to The Estée Lauder Companies Group President Jane Hertzmark Hudis in respect to brand responsibilities; and to The Estée Lauder Companies President Asia/Pacific Mark Loomis on regional responsibilities; including oversight of the company’s Korean and Japanese affiliates.
The role was created after The Estée Lauder Companies completed the acquisition of Have & Be Co. Ltd.; the Seoul-based skincare company behind Dr. Jart+ and men’s grooming brand Do The Right Thing. As reported, the deal marked the first time that The Estée Lauder Companies had acquired an Asia-based beauty house.
“We’re delighted that Christopher will lead our first acquisitions in the Asia Pacific region, given his deep knowledge of Korea and the [wider] region, and all its opportunities.” – The Estée Lauder Companies President Asia/Pacific Mark Loomis
Wood brings more than 30 years of prestige cosmetics experience to his new role. Since the company’s initial investment into Have & Be in 2015, he has been working closely with Have & Be’s leadership team and has served on its board of directors for the last four years.
Since 2018, Wood held the position of Dr. Jart+ and Do The Right Thing Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific, where he managed key markets in Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.
In his new role, Wood will be responsible for leading the continued global growth for both brands.
Loomis commented: “We’re delighted that Christopher will lead our first acquisitions in the Asia Pacific region, given his deep knowledge of Korea and the [wider] region, with all its opportunities.
“This is coupled with his exceptional understanding of Korean beauty, trends in the region, and his proven abilities as a brand-builder. I know Christopher is excited to take on this new challenge and I have no doubt that he will do an outstanding job.”
