The Next Generation Takes Over at Clarins

The third generation of the Clarins family is ready to lead the beauty company. Clarins appointed Virginie Courtin-Clarins to managing director and Prisca Courtin Clarins to chairman of the supervisory board. Virginie Courtin-Clarins has served as deputy CEO since 2018. She will work alongside Jonathan Zrihen, president and chief executive officer of Groupe Clarins, and her uncle Olivier Courtin, who is also a group managing director. Clarins is ranked No. 18 in Happi's most recent International Top 30 report. 

“Over the past four years I have deepened my understanding of our organizational structure and, most importantly, of the women and men behind our success,” Virginie Courtin-Clarins said in a statement. “I also gained solid experience, which I’m eager to put to work in my new position. Our family’s united, unfailing support is a powerful driver for me. I fully intend to take Clarins to new heights all while pursuing the rollout of our ambitious CSR roadmap.”

Prisca Courtin-Clarins succeeds her uncle, Christian Courtin-Clarins, father of Virginie Courtin-Clarins, who, according to the company, was keen to step down from the chairman of the supervisory board position, which he has held since 2011, after leaving his operational role. Prisca Courtin-Clarins also runs her family’s Famille C Venture, which earlier this year acquired Ilia Beauty. In December, Famille C Venture invested in Pai Skincare. 

“For 40 years he successfully led far-reaching transformations to position Clarins as the European skincare leader and a global beauty player,” Groupe Clarins said in a statement. “In an increasingly global market, he notably strived to grow the company internationally. He launched Clarins in 130 countries, enabling Clarins to export 93% of its products, which are all developed and manufactured in France. A true CSR pioneer, he also made corporate social responsibility a major strategic focus for growth long before it became the widespread concern for business that it is today.”

Groupe Clarins was founded by Jacques Courtin-Clarins in 1954. It has consistently ranked as the No. 1 skincare brand in the European premium skincare market. 

“These appointments embody the company’s commitment to change within a framework of continuity,” said Zrihen. “With Virginie and Prisca taking the helm of the company, we will continue to work together to write the next chapter of Clarins’ incredible story, while pursuing our strategic Clarins Unlimited plan which aims to focus on our brands, wellbeing and health. Clarins resolutely looks to the future, all while remaining true to the values that have enabled us to become a global and responsible player in the beauty industry and the premium skin care leader in Europe.”