dsm-firmenich taps Jonathan Simon as President of Fine Fragrance
Jonathan Simon has been appointed President of the Fine Fragrance business at dsm-firmenich, effective July 1, 2025. He succeeded Jerry Vittoria, who will retire in July 2026 after a 35-year career with the company.
Simon joined dsm-firmenich in 2020 and most recently served as global lead for the Procter & Gamble account. “Jonathan will propel our Fine Fragrance business into a new era, establish our leadership, and continue our transformation driven by innovation and sustainability,” said Emmanuel Butstraen, COO & President of Perfumery & Beauty at dsm-firmenich.
Givaudan names Christian Stammkoetter as next CEO, Gilles Andrier to retire in 2026
In August, Givaudan announced that Gilles Andrier will retire as CEO in March 2026, after serving in the role for two decades and over 30 years with the company. He will be succeeded by Christian Stammkoetter, currently President of Asia, Middle East & Africa at Danone, who will assume the CEO role on March 1, 2026.
“I am honoured and excited to join Givaudan in early 2026 and to lead this iconic company together with the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors,” said Stammkoetter. As part of the succession plan, Andrier will be proposed as Chairman of the Board at Givaudan’s 2026 Annual General Meeting, while current Chairman Calvin Grieder will step down.
René Lammers named Chief Research & Innovation Officer at Estée Lauder
The Estée Lauder Companies has appointed René Lammers, Ph.D., as Executive Vice President and Chief Research & Innovation Officer, effective October 1, 2025. Reporting to President & CEO Stéphane de La Faverie, Lammers will oversee global R&I, including clinical innovation, upstream technologies, scientific affairs, and regulatory strategy.
He brings nearly 30 years of experience from PepsiCo, where he most recently served as EVP & Chief Science Officer. “René will play a critical role advancing ELC’s focus on transformative innovation through its Beauty Reimagined strategic vision,” the company stated. He will also join ELC’s Executive Team as part of the appointment.
L’Oréal announces major leadership reshuffle, names new execs across global regions
L’Oréal has unveiled a broad slate of executive appointments effective January 1, 2026, including the creation of a new Chairman role for L’Oréal USA. David Greenberg, currently CEO of L’Oréal USA, will become Chairman, while Alexis Perakis-Valat, President of the Consumer Products Division, will succeed him as CEO of L’Oréal USA and President of North America.
“David’s transformative leadership… has been truly exceptional, marked by outstanding business results, a keen eye for emerging trends and a passion for his people,” said L’Oréal CEO Nicolas Hieronimus in the company’s press announcement.
Other appointments include Fabrice Megarbane, who will take over as President of the Consumer Products Division; Vianney Derville becomes Chief Growth Officer; and Emmanuel Goulin is named President of Europe. Eva Yu, currently leading L’Oréal Hong Kong, will join the Extended Executive Committee as President of Travel Retail.
Beiersdorf appoints Burcu Andreae-Nehlsen as President of Derma & Health Care
Beiersdorf has named Burcu Andreae-Nehlsen as President of Derma & Health Care, overseeing brands including Eucerin, Aquaphor, Hansaplast, CURITAS, and Elastoplast. She also joins the company’s Executive Committee, reinforcing Beiersdorf’s commitment to skin and wound care as growth pillars.
Previously Global Head of Innovation Skin Care & Cleansing at L’Oréal, Andreae-Nehlsen brings a strong background in brand strategy and dermatological innovation. “For me, this is more than just a job — it’s a mission to shape the future of skin health with our iconic brands,” she said.
eos Products promotes Soyoung Kang to President in newly created role
eos Products has named Soyoung Kang as President, marking a major milestone for the fast-growing Gen Z-focused beauty brand. Kang, who joined eos in 2018 as Chief Marketing & Innovation Officer, will now oversee the company’s full commercial strategy, P&L, and business performance.
“Soyoung has been instrumental in shaping eos into the cultural powerhouse and commercial success it is today,” said eos Founder & CEO Jonathan Teller in a company press release. Her leadership has helped eos deliver 14 straight quarters of double-digit retail sales growth and solidify its position in the U.S. mass body care market, the release confirmed.
Kang said she’s honored to lead the brand’s next chapter, continuing to “push boundaries, build community, and drive sustainable, profitable growth.”
Schwarzkopf hair care manufacturer Henkel names Rajat Agarwal President of North America region
Henkel appointed Rajat Agarwal as President of the North America region, effective July 1, 2025. He succeeded Pernille Lind Olsen, who is departing to pursue new opportunities in Denmark.
Agarwal, who also serves as Corporate Vice President of Packaging for Henkel Adhesive Technologies, brings nearly three decades of experience with the company across multiple global markets. “I am honored to take on this new role at Henkel after 28 years with the company,” said Agarwal. Based in New Jersey, he will lead regional operations across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico.
