Ron Gee takes top spot at Shiseido Americas

In mid-August of 2020, Shiseido issued a two sentence news release: “Shiseido Company, Limited announces that Marc Rey, President and CEO of Shiseido Americas Corporation (Head Office: State of Delaware, USA), Regional Headquarters and consolidated subsidiary of Shiseido, and Chief Growth Officer resigns effective September 6, 2020.”​

“Ron Gee, Chief Financial Officer of Shiseido Americas and Global M​＆A Leader, has been named Interim CEO of Shiseido Americas.”​

Seven months later, beauty brand builder Maesa announces that Rey has joined the team as Non-Executive Director of the Board.

New Americas region leadership for Shiseido

“I am honored to have been asked to take on the Americas CEO position on a permanent basis,” ​says Ron Gee in a statement shared with Cosmetics Design.

“Since joining the company as CFO five years ago,” ​he says, “I have developed a deep respect for Shiseido’s commitment to quality, to innovation, to our consumers, and most importantly, to all of our people.”​

“At Shiseido Americas, I have experienced first-hand the dedication and passion of the organization that I now have the privilege to lead, and I am more motivated than ever to continue the important work we do every day. With the support of my executive leadership team, I look forward to building on the success of the Americas region to become even stronger as we position ourselves to win in a post-pandemic landscape.”​

Gee also serves at the Global M&A Leader for the Shiseido Group, a role he will continue to fill even after July 1, 2021, when he formally takes on the CEO and President posts here in the Americas region.

Ron Gee to lead Shiseido business in US, Canada, and LATAM

The CFO role will be filled soon, according to this week’s press statement. In the meantime, Masahiko Uotani, President and Group CEO of Shiseido Company, Limited, calls attention to Gee’s track record with the company. “During his time as CFO and more recently as Interim CEO of the Americas, Ron has indisputably earned his reputation as a keen business leader, collaborative team builder, skilled problem solver and invaluable partner.”​

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” ​says Uotani, “he has shown remarkable leadership in a time of crisis, protecting our business in the region while continuing to drive our ongoing digital transformation.”​

“With his leadership, I am confident that Shiseido Americas will achieve even greater success in the market and will continue to contribute boldly to the future of Shiseido Group and our WIN 2023 strategy.”​

That bold contribution will include the company’s strategic approach to operations in the Americas region as well as service functions and commercial business, and oversight of brands such as bareMinerals, Drunk Elephant, Laura Mercier, and NARS Cosmetics.