Debra Perelman Named Revlon CEO

Maybe the revolving door that is the Revlon C-suite will finally stop. Debra Perelman has been named chief executive officer of the beauty company. She's the first woman to hold the CEO position at the company and is the the daughter of Ronald Perelman, chairman of Revlon, who owns 80% of the company through his investment firm, MacAndrews & Forbes. Prior to this appointment, Debra Perelman had been chief operating officer since January.


“Revlon has been a central part of my personal and professional life for more than 20 years,” said Debra Perelman. “I love Revlon not only as a company, but as a culture of employees and executives who are committed to delivering women and men the best products in our industry. Beauty has emerged as one of today’s most dynamic and fastest-growing industries and I look forward to working with Revlon’s world-class team to amplify our strategy and accelerate growth. I am committed to driving the company to compete and thrive in today’s dynamic environment and encouraging our talented team’s entrepreneurial spirit, agility and bold creativity.” 


During her career, she has served in operational and leadership roles across all facets of the business, including finance, distribution and sales operations, international and marketing. As both an executive and a board member, as well as a member of the senior leadership team at Revlon, Debra Perelman has overseen corporate strategy and led Revlon’s ongoing digital transformation, including forming a data and analytics group and establishing infrastructure and deploying resources necessary to create a leading-edge e-commerce business. She has a track record for innovation and has launched a new partnership with the MIT Media Lab, according to Revlon.


In her role as President and CEO, Debra Perelman will be focused on enhancing Revlon’s consumer and customer focused approach, where personalization, inclusion, usability and passion for beauty are the cornerstones. She will be responsible for driving Revlon’s efforts to further innovate through technology, enhance its iconic brand portfolio and invest in e-commerce as a growth driver. According to the company, Debra Perelman is known for her collaborative approach, and has been instrumental in helping assemble Revlon’s world-class leadership team, many of whom joined recently to take part in the company’s transformation.


Dad couldn't be more proud.


“Revlon is a brand of firsts – the first to match lips and finger tips, the first to be inclusive, the first to develop color stay technology and the first brand to embody women empowerment in the beauty industry. Debbie’s global perspective, financial acumen and holistic approach to brands, consumers and technology will help Revlon reclaim its leadership position,” gushed the elder Perelman. “I have always trusted Debbie to bring fresh vision, innovation and success to companies, and I have no doubt she will do the same for Revlon. Debbie’s extensive experience at both MacAndrews & Forbes and Revlon, as well as her track record for innovation and breaking paradigms to compete in today’s digital and consumer-first environment, make her the ideal leader for Revlon. She is thoughtful, team-oriented and decisive, and I can think of no better way to express MacAndrews & Forbes’ support of Revlon and belief in its future than by appointing Debbie to lead the company.”


Ronald Perelman purchased Revlon in 1985.