CIBS kicks off 2018 with luncheon event featuring Sumita Banerjee of L’Oréal

CIBS got its start in 1949 and is dedicated to creating a space for beauty industry professionals to meet and make meaningful business and career connections.  

According to the group’s site, the current membership comprises “innovative professionals from leading companies from every aspect of the cosmetics industry. We understand the power of networking and that is why we host industry focused events so our members can build relationships that take their careers and businesses to the next level and beyond.”​

Beauty community​

Sumita Banerjee, SVP of Talent Acquisition at L’Oréal, was the featured speaker at this week’s CIBS event in New York City. She spoke about her own career trajectory and the “yes, and”​ attitude that guides her.

Banerjee’s presentation traced her own progress, beginning with the support her family gave her, through university, to the various roles she’s held at L’Oréal, to the camaraderie of CIBS, and even on to her own wellness journey, which now has her teaching Zumba class at L’Oreal each week.  It was a personal narrative with a professional frame: “We all need to tell our own stories more often,”​ stressed Banerjee.

For Banerjee, CIBS has been a “yes, and”​ organization. This year’s CIBS board is led by president Benny Calderone of HCP Packaging, vice president Jenifer Brady of Brad-Pak, treasurer Judy Vincenty of Millennium3 Packaging Group, recording secretary Balla Murillo of Hampden Paper, and corresponding secretary Allyson Tobin of Disc Graphics. There are nearly 30 other members holding titled posts on the board—and the robust CIBS community extends well beyond the ranks of its current leadership.

Events calendar​

The CIBS calendar for the year ahead includes some 8 more luncheon events, a golf outing, and a rooftop cocktail party.

For 2018 most of the luncheon events will be held as on Tuesdays at Bond 45 (which reopened last fall in its new 46th street location). CIBS has long held these networking events on Wednesdays; and while this year’s schedule is an adjustment for the regulars, this week’s Tuesday event was very well attended, with members crowding in early for the half-hour networking reception before the sit-down meal.

To learn more about CIBS and see the full calendar of 2018 event, click here​.

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Deanna Utroske, CosmeticsDesign.com Editor, covers beauty business news in the Americas region and publishes the weekly Indie Beauty Profile column, showcasing the inspiring work of entrepreneurs and innovative brands.