David Cannell of Redken Dies

Redken has announced that Dr. David William Cannell passed away peacefully on Dec. 24, 2017, at the age of 73.


Cannell’s long, distinguished career in the beauty industry led to world-renowned status among his peers and his quest for the next advancement in hair and skin led to many breakthrough technologies for Redken. His contributions to research, product development and international marketing earned him the title of senior vice president. In his time with Redken he brought forth ground-breaking innovations still present in Redken products today, including CAT Treatment, Shades EQ Conditioning Color Gloss, Extreme Anti-Snap, to reference a few. Following the acquisition by L’Oréal in 1993 and subsequent move of Redken to the East Coast the following year, Dr. Cannell’s R&D scope evolved to heading all of the L’Oréal USA hair brands until he retired in 2009.


Cannell earned a PhD in physical organic chemistry from Yale University in 1970, after completing undergraduate studies at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1966. He joined Redken in 1972.


“Dr. Cannell was not only a brilliant scientist but an incredibly generous person with his time and knowledge, always serving as a resource to others,” said Shane Wolf, worldwide general manager, Redken. “He was passionate about working with hairdressers and advancing the industry. He leaves a legacy of scientific excellence that continues to drive Redken as a brand today.”


“David was an industry icon and will be greatly missed by the Redken family and beyond,” said Leslie Marino, general manager, Redken. “Through his contributions to the Redken brand and later L’Oréal USA, he was able to touch those who used our products to grow their salon business and better their lives. David’s dedication to science and the salon professional was apparent in all he did.”


“We lost an industry legend, a true innovator and very special man,” said Christine Schuster, SVP education, L’Oréal PPD. “‘Dr. David’ Cannell had a real passion for creating beauty through science and he crafted many of the most trusted professional products used in salons around the world today. He made science simple and hairdressers successful.”