• Login
    • Join
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Formulary
    • Exclusives
    • Top Companies
    • Raw Materials
    • End-User
    • Packaging
    • Directories
    • Events
    • Jobs
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Formulary
  • Exclusives
  • Top Companies
  • Raw Materials
  • End-User
  • Packaging
  • Directories
  • Events
  • Jobs
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Columns
    Editorial
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Editorial Guidelines
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    Help for Indies

    The Future Has Arrived

    Shape It Up

    Stepping into the Spotlight for 2021

    The Independent Beauty Association Supports Sensible Reform
    Online Exclusives
    Association News
    Breaking News
    Financial News
    Industry News
    International
    Marketing News
    New Products
    News Front
    Packaging News
    Patents
    Personnel
    Regulations
    Snapshots
    Top News
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Peeps X HipDot Is Ready To Hatch

    MAC Cosmetics Launches Foundation

    ACI Unveils New Online Resources

    Sales More Than Double at Madison Reed

    PBA Opposes House Bill 2325 in West Virginia
    Blog
    Online Exclusives
    Infographics
    Podcasts
    Whitepapers
    Videos
    Expert's Opinion
    HappiTV
    eBook
    Surveys
    International Top 30 Report
    Top 50 Report
    Top Companies
    13. Mary Kay

    48. Murad

    36. High Ridge Brands

    The Top 50

    5. Avon Products
    Actives
    Functional Ingredients
    Pigments
    Polymers
    Preservatives
    Surfactants

    Sales More Than Double at Madison Reed

    Eucerin Launches Sun Protection Formula

    What You're Reading on Happi.com

    Cleaning Power, Transparency, Sustainability Drive Clorox

    Stepan Buys Fermentation Plant
    Air Care/Environmental Fragrance
    AP/Deo
    Color Cosmetics
    Disinfectants
    Fine Fragrance
    Hair Care
    Household Cleaning
    I&I Marketplace
    Laundry Care
    Oral Care
    OTC/Medicated
    Packaging
    Personal Cleansers
    Skin Care
    Sun Care
    Testing

    Peeps X HipDot Is Ready To Hatch

    MAC Cosmetics Launches Foundation

    ACI Unveils New Online Resources

    Videobite: Honeywell Solutions Unveils Solstice Propellant

    J.R. Watkins Tackles Pain with New Lines
    Lab Equipment
    Mixing
    Packaging
    Testing

    Burt’s Bees Outlines New Sustainability Goals

    Secret, Old Spice Add Refillable Deo Packaging

    Estée Lauder Travel Retail's Sustainability Goals

    Ross Introduces Double Cone Tumble Blender

    Happi Talks: Overnight Labels
    Contract Manufacturing / Private Label Directory
    Buyer's Guide
    Add New Company
    Corporate Profiles
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    KLK OLEO

    Siltech Corporation

    Vantage Specialty Ingredients

    Praan Naturals

    Croda
    Live From Shows
    Meetings
    Webinars
    Snapshots
    • Magazine
      • Current / Back Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Formulary
    • Directories
      • Buyer's Guide
      • Contract Manufacturing / Private Label Directory
      • Corporate Profiles
      • Add Your Company
    • Raw Materials
      • Actives
      • Functional Ingredients
      • Pigments
      • Polymers
      • Preservatives
      • Surfactants
    • End-User
      • Air Care/Environmental Fragrance
      • AP/Deo
      • Color Cosmetics
      • Disinfectants
      • Fine Fragrance
      • Hair Care
      • Household Cleaning
      • I&I Marketplace
      • Laundry Care
      • Oral Care
      • OTC/Medicated
      • Packaging
      • Personal Cleansers
      • Skin Care
      • Sun Care
      • Testing
    • Packaging
      • Lab Equipment
      • Mixing
      • Packaging
      • Testing
    • Top Companies
      • International Top 30 Report
      • Top 50 Report
    • Online Exclusives
    • Experts Opinion
    • Slideshows
    • HappiTV
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • eBook
    • Infographics
    • Blog
    • Whitepapers
    • Surveys
      • R & D Salary Survey
      • Sales & Marketing Salary Survey
    • Job Banks
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live from show Events
      • Webinars
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Online Exclusives

    Remain Relevant

    In a world full of distractions, L’Oréal CEO Jean-Paul Agon shares insights on how to stay top-of-mind with beauty consumers.

    Remain Relevant
    Jill Scalamandre, president, Bare Escentuals, and Global Makeup Center of Excellence, Shiseido, with Jean-Paul Agon, chairman and CEO of L’Oréal, at CEW Newsmaker Forum.
    Remain Relevant
    Carlotta Jacobson, president, CEW, Jean-Paul Agon, chairman and CEO, L’Oréal and Jill Scalamandre, president, Bare Escentuals and Global Makeup Center of Excellence, Shiseido at CEW Newsmaker Forum.
    Remain Relevant
    It was a full house at New York City’s Harmonie Club, site of Newsmaker Forum featuring Jean-Paul Agon.
    Related CONTENT
    • L'Oréal Q3: Better-than-Expected
    • First Half Sales Slip at L’Oréal
    • Me, Myself and I
    • Over-Achievers
    • L’Oréal Recognized as Global Compact LEAD
    Nancy Jeffries, Contributing Editor10.29.18
    His company is more than a century old and he’s been one its employee for his entire 40+ year career. And yet, cosmetic executives flocked to New York City last week to listen to words of advice from L’Oréal Chairman and CEO Jean-Paul Agon. Attendees at the Cosmetic Executive Women event weren’t disappointed. CEW President Carlotta Jacobson characterized Agon as one of the easiest executives CEW had ever worked with, and applauded his 40+ years of leadership at L’Oréal.
     
     
    In introducing the theme of the evening, which was Remaining Relevant in the Evolving World of Beauty, Jacobson shared a quote from Agon that captured his philosophy on how companies can stay nimble and adapt in today’s rapidly changing marketplace.
     
     
    “L’Oréal is a 100-year old company with the spirit of a start-up,” she said, noting Agon’s characteristic voice and his personal penchant for “the undertaking of a lifetime.”
     
     
    Agon has referred to L’Oréal as his “soulmate,” and along the way has implemented strategies that have transformed the brand and positioned it for future success. Jacobson highlighted some of his contributions to the company’s remarkable success, including diversity and sustainability initiatives. She thanked all the event sponsors, and cited the particular contributions of principal sponsors, Conde Nast and IFF, noting the long-standing relationship IFF and L’Oréal have enjoyed, resulting in the creation of such successes as Drakkar Noir and La Vie est Belle.

     
    Transparency and Innovation

     
    Nicolas Mirzayantz, group president, fragrances, IFF, provided an introduction highlighting the shared values of L’Oréal and IFF, including the championing of diversity, equal opportunity, and women in executive roles in the workplace. Agon, noted Mirzayantz, has made great strides in sustainability, improving the company’s social profile, and framing the company as one with a global purpose. He quoted Agon as saying, “My obsession is really to make the company ready for tomorrow.”

     
    He emphasized such initiatives as beauty for all, high standards of ethics, and concentrated efforts in digitalization, contributing to L’Oréal’s success, including its current ranking as number one in China. He noted his inspiring overall vision and focused attention, relating how in Agon’s 11 years as CEO, he doubled the group’s market value, spearheaded its makeover, and created research and marketing hubs in every strategic market.

     
    A 40-Year Love Affair

     
    The evening’s moderator, Jill Scalamandre, who is president of Bare Escentuals, and Global Makeup Center of Excellence, Shiseido, open the event by discussing that 40-year love affair.

     
    “As a nearly $30 billion company, with 83,000 people working for L’Oréal, the company is celebrating its 100+ year history; and, Jean-Paul Agon is only the fifth Chairman in the company’s history,” she said.

     
    Agon said he never thought he would stay for 40 years—he began in sales and then transitioned to marketing. He was appointed head of L’Oréal Greece at age 24; later, he led L’Oréal Germany, and eventually created the L’Oréal Asia Zone. Through these international experiences, Agon came to understand the beauty desires of consumers throughout the world; and in 2001 he was named president of L’Oréal USA.

     
    Agon said he found everything at L’Oréal exciting and that every time he was given a new responsibility it was like running his own business.
     

    “I’m not the owner of L’Oréal, but I’ve always felt it was my company. L’Oréal is an adventure. It’s a team adventure; and at the same time, it’s very human, and there is always a quest for excellence, to do better. The culture is very strong. It’s entrepreneurial. It has always been a strong culture,” he said.
     

    Affirming the value of maintaining an entrepreneurial spirit, he said, “We want to keep that entrepreneurial spirit. We want people to know they can take risks and do everything they can to achieve their goals. When you have a small brand, you take some risks, but as a big business, we have the same attitude.”

     
    Scalamandre noted that there are 34 international brands within L’Oréal, and Agon has steered many of them to their current success.

     
    “In some cases, we have taken some brands and we have multiplied their value by 100. I always thought it was smarter to buy brands that have proven they can survive for ten years. We can then buy them and scale them. When we acquire a brand, we try to understand how they can become big. Little brands that stay little, we are not really interested in,” he said.
     

    Agon explained the importance of realizing the potential of brands before acquisition.

     
    “When we bought Kiehl’s in 2000, it was a $20 million business. We had the conviction that we could make it a $1 billion brand, which we did; and now we want to make it a $2 billion brand,” he said.

        
    Beauty Industry Revolution
     

    In response to the question of whether the change in the past 40 years to the beauty business has been evolutionary or revolutionary, Agon didn’t skip a beat.
     

    “For me, it is a total revolution. Between 1970 and 2010, we were working more or less, the same way. Suddenly, in five years, everything changed. The digital revolution is really just beginning, but now, it’s a completely new world,” said Agon.
     

    He explained that while L’Oréal did see it coming in 2010, and declared it the digital year for L’Oréal, there was uncertainty around what it all would mean.
     

    “We were sure something was coming in 2010, but to be honest we didn’t know what it really meant. But, we kept this first mover advantage. It was very chaotic. We hired a digital leader to help lead this change, and hired 2,000 people to lead with digital and upscale the workforce,” he explained.
        
     
    “The way digital has informed our industry is fantastic. It was never a threat. We always thought that digital has to be at the heart of the company. We spread the 2,000 digital experts around the world. We now have a digital test, which we created like a GMAT, and every candidate must pass the test,” he said.
     

    When asked what he believed were the key changes at L’Oréal that have impacted the brands, he said, “Everything has been turned upside down, and for the better. Digital has put the consumer at the heart of everything we do. Each interaction and the personalization we can do is amazing. I find it fascinating and I find our job more interesting than it used to be 10 years ago.”

     
    He explained that he sees many changes, including e-commerce, but it is much broader and deeper than that.
     

    “We don’t see e-commerce as a threat. It’s another opportunity to share our brands. Anything that serves the consumer is great,” said Agon.
     

    Scalamandre queried his take on Amazon today, to which he replied, “It’s a fantastic invention. It serves some purposes and not others.”
     

    Technology and Sustainability as Enablers
     

    “Technology is the enabler of the digital revolution. If we want to be the champion in beauty technology, we must keep acquiring brands that will help us compete with our competitors across all our brands,” Agon explained. “We are very decentralized. We are strategically concentrated, but operationally decentralized,” he said, citing such brands as Lancôme and Skinceuticals.
     

    Agon explained that when every brand in every division has a different strategy, that is best. “We can test and use digital to amplify our strategy and use it differently for each brand,” he said. “Digital strategies are critical for each division, and within each there is a different strategy. For example, Lancôme and Kiehl’s are very different, and the players are also different. You have to have the appropriate strategy for each market,” he said.
        

    Agon responded to a question regarding the need for sustainability initiatives in business in terms of L’Oréal’s mandate for environmental sustainability.

     
    “We really wanted to embark on the sustainability venture because we thought it would be vital for the 21st century. Our impact on the environment is not as big as some other businesses, but we thought, let’s be exemplary, and that’s what we did. Our teams were really motivated. It’s a great commitment and we want 100% of our catalogue, that is 7 billion products, to be environmentally sustainable. Every brand participates. Our labs are centralized. Our factories are centralized by division, and every one has its own sustainability strategy,” said Agon.

     
    When Scalamandre asked how we all could work together in beauty to that end, Agon replied, “I believe more in competition and exemplarity. I believe we can lead and others will follow. It makes everyone better. We are all competitive. I’m the first to say I really like competition. More competition creates better innovation; the more the better.”
     

    Competition, Healthy Paranoia and the Future
     

    In response to how he viewed smaller brand successes, like Kylie Cosmetics, Agon replied, “Yes, of course, it’s very interesting; and digital makes it easier to start and rise quickly, but it also makes it easier to fall quickly. So, we will see who will remain,” he said.
     

    “People say that it is small brands that are leading the way, but it’s exactly the contrary. As long as brands are relevant and know how to play the digital game, they will win,” he said.
     
     
    Not being distracted by smaller brands is key, Agon explained. “Each brand needs to find its own recipe. We have healthy concern, or healthy paranoia, and are always looking at every small brand. At the same time, it should not distract you from what you have to do,” said Agon.
        
     
    When asked what brands he admired, Agon demurred, noting that Nike was a good example; however, “There are many players playing well,” he said. “We follow and analyze many brands. I think it is a great time for this industry, there’s never been a better time. I believe it is a fantastic and very exciting moment to be in this industry,” said Agon.
        
     
    His outlook for the future is unabashedly positive and his formula for the next f40 years includes an emphasis on reinvention.

     
    “We are obsessed with really making sure that we reinvent ourselves completely. We are always ready to challenge ourselves, do things better, and adapt to a changing world. We always challenge the status quo,” said Agon.

     
    Replying to a question about weaknesses, he was precise.

     
    “The flip side of obsession is complacence and we absolutely don’t tolerate that at L’Oréal. We’re always looking at how we should change. For example, to do, undo, in order to re-do. It’s like high-level sports. If you want to go to the Olympics, you have to train every day. It’s exhausting,” said Agon.
        

    His reply to whether he is ever satisfied, was a resounding, NO.
     

    “We are rarely satisfied because we always see that we could do better. It’s stimulating,” he said.

     
    In handling any possible regrets, Agon said, “I have a good nature, and I forget the difficulties.”


    On the question of the legacy he would leave for those who follow, Agon was philosophical. “I hope people will say I did my job of making sure that the company was fit for the future. As you said, there have been only five CEOs of L’Oréal and there have always been some moments of great change, for example, the fall of the Berlin Wall; the opening of China, and more; but the transformation has always occurred. I would want my legacy to show that I did the best to transform the company for the future. If you are the most diverse, ethical, and sustainable, I think you’re pretty fit for the future.”
     
     
    Related Searches
    • products
    • companies
    • executives
    • consumers
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Fine Fragrance
    • Color Cosmetics
    • Sun Care
    Suggested For You
    L L'Oréal Q3: Better-than-Expected
    First Half Sales Slip at L’Oréal First Half Sales Slip at L’Oréal
    Me,  Myself  and I Me, Myself and I
    Over-Achievers Over-Achievers
    L’Oréal Recognized as Global Compact LEAD L’Oréal Recognized as Global Compact LEAD
    CEW Achiever Awards: Sept. 21 CEW Achiever Awards: Sept. 21
    Kiehl’s LifeRide for amfAR Kiehl’s LifeRide for amfAR
    Youth Movement at Kiehl Youth Movement at Kiehl's
    2. L’Oréal 2. L’Oréal
    Kiehl Kiehl's LifeRide for amfAR
    Shiseido Makeup Reboot is All About Sensory Experience Shiseido Makeup Reboot is All About Sensory Experience
    Ups & Downs in First Half Ups & Downs in First Half
    Sales Flat at L Sales Flat at L'Oréal Through Two
    Inside Story Inside Story
    Garnier Earns Cradle to Cradle Status Garnier Earns Cradle to Cradle Status

    Related Online Exclusives

    • Color Cosmetics | Skin Care
      Planting Roots

      Planting Roots

      As it embarks on its third year selling products in North America, Sinan Tuna shares details on Farmasi’s expansion plans and new products.
      Christine Esposito, Managing Editor 02.22.21

    • Color Cosmetics | Fine Fragrance | Hair Care
      State of the Beauty Industry, Part II

      State of the Beauty Industry, Part II

      Wellness, stress-relief and clean beauty are in focus during the pandemic, say CEW speakers.
      Nancy Jeffries , Contributing Editor 02.22.21

    • Actives | Color Cosmetics | Functional Ingredients | Hair Care | Pigments | Skin Care
      Formulating for Inclusion

      Formulating for Inclusion

      Beauty suppliers and marketers, and dermatologists call for more products that meet the needs of Black consumers in this NYSCC webinar.
      Tom Branna, Editorial Director 02.19.21


    • Hair Care | Skin Care
      Infusing Wellness into a Superfood Supplement for Men

      Infusing Wellness into a Superfood Supplement for Men

      Scotch Porter’s Calvin Quallis discusses the importance of holistic wellness and his goal to help men lead healthier lifestyles.
      Charles Sternberg, Assistant Editor 02.18.21

    • Skin Care
      What To Expect…

      What To Expect…

      The INCI label explains what’s inside the formulation. Codex Beauty Labs says its new Efficacy Panel speaks to product performance.
      Christine Esposito, Managing Editor 02.18.21

    • Actives | Color Cosmetics | Functional Ingredients | Hair Care | Personal Cleansers | Skin Care
      State of the Beauty Industry, Part I

      State of the Beauty Industry, Part I

      Technology helps marketers connect with consumers and track segment winners, insist analysts at CEW event.
      Nancy Jeffries, Contributing Editor 02.16.21


    • AP/Deo | Oral Care | Personal Cleansers
      More Than a Mouthful

      More Than a Mouthful

      Hello Products expands in the personal care space while maintaining its friendly, design-centric approach.
      Christine Esposito, Managing Editor 02.03.21

    • Actives | Color Cosmetics | Functional Ingredients | Hair Care | Personal Cleansers | Pigments | Polymers | Preservatives | Skin Care | Surfactants
      Coming Clean About Clean Beauty

      Coming Clean About Clean Beauty

      Experts weigh in on the pros and cons of this controversial term.
      Tom Branna, Editorial Director 01.14.21

    • Actives | Skin Care
      Olay’s Collagen Push

      Olay’s Collagen Push

      With a formulation designed to deliver the key ingredient where it needs to be, Olay Regenerist rolls out Collagen Peptide24 collection nationwide.
      Christine Esposito, Managing Editor 01.05.21


    • Skin Care
      Better by The Box

      Better by The Box

      Using aromatherapy to treat anxiety led Lauren VanScoy to create Essence One. Now the brand has a new subscription service focused on mental health and beauty.
      Christine Esposito, Managing Editor 01.04.21

    • Hair Care | Personal Cleansers | Skin Care
      Top Formulations of 2020

      Top Formulations of 2020

      What were you making in 2020? Hand sanitizer, of course. But skin and facial care products made the list of the most-accessed formulations.
      Happi Staff 12.30.20

    • Color Cosmetics | Hair Care | Personal Cleansers | Skin Care
      Indie To Indie

      Indie To Indie

      Happi’s monthly “Indie Inc.” feature profiles have enabled founders to speak about their brands and to each other.
      Christine Esposito, Managing Editor 12.29.20


    • Skin Care
      DermaDoctor Adds Direct Sales

      DermaDoctor Adds Direct Sales

      Skin care brand expands its retail strategy.
      Christine Esposito, Managing Editor 12.10.20

    • Actives | Skin Care
      Kicking In

      Kicking In

      Experience in the semiconductor sector spawns a skin care startup that continues to grow its presence in new retail doors.
      Christine Esposito, Managing Editor 12.07.20

    • Color Cosmetics | Hair Care | Skin Care
      Let the Gifting Begin

      Let the Gifting Begin

      With shopping underway, a look at special gift sets created for this unprecedented holiday season.
      Happi Staff 12.01.20

    Trending
    • Planting Roots
    • When The FTC Comes Calling...
    • MAC Appoints SVP, Global Marketing
    • On Target
    • Eucerin Launches Sun Protection Formula
    Breaking News
    • Peeps X HipDot Is Ready To Hatch
    • MAC Cosmetics Launches Foundation
    • ACI Unveils New Online Resources
    • Sales More Than Double at Madison Reed
    • PBA Opposes House Bill 2325 in West Virginia
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    February 2021

    • Help for Indies
    • Trade Association Directory 2021
    • The Future Has Arrived
    • Shape It Up
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    Clinical Trial Finds Metabolic Benefits for Polyphenols Formula
    JRF Technology Debuts Elderberry Oral Film Strip
    Danone Adds to Plant-Based Portfolio with Acquisition of Follow Your Heart Brand
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    OQ Chemicals Increases Carboxylic Acids, Esters Prices
    Sensory Analytics Announces Issuance of Broad New Patent Covering Coating Thickness Measurement
    Arkema Reports Full-year 2020 Results
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    Japan to Lead APAC Assisted Reproductive Technology Devices Market
    Portescap Slotless Brushless DC Motors Receive ISO 13485 Certification
    FDA Breakthrough Device Designation Given to MI Transcatheter Heart Pump
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    High Purity New England Bolsters Biopharma Solutions Services
    AMRI Contributes to Efforts to Increase COVID-19 Vax Supply
    CatSci Opens New Site in UK
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Biden Prioritizes PPP Relief for the Beauty Industry
    Christie Brinkley Joins SBLA Beauty
    Madison Reed Raises $52 Million in Financing Round
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Peeps X HipDot Is Ready To Hatch
    MAC Cosmetics Launches Foundation
    ACI Unveils New Online Resources
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Etiflex Enters New Markets with Nilpeter FA-22 Installation
    Hydrocarbon Solvents Market to Surpass $8.1 Billion by 2030
    Lowe-Martin Adds 2 KODAK NEXFINITY Digital Presses
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    S-OneLP adds to growing team
    Avery Dennison expands automotive portfolio
    Amberley Labels turns to Kurz for embellishments
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Believe Diapers Launch in U.S.
    Forbes Ranks Rockline Among Best U.S. Employers
    H&V Announces Price Increase
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    First Implantation of CTL Amedica's Minimally Invasive Flex Tower
    NuVasive Nabs Simplify Medical for $150M
    SeaSpine Begins Limited Launch of WaveForm TA (TLIF Articulating) 3D-Printed Interbody
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    Comercial Kywi Improves Customer Service, Front-Store Operations with Zebra Mobile Solution
    Global Printed Circuit Board Market Projected to Reach $69.32 Billion by 2027
    RFID Locks Market to Reach $9.93 Billion by 2027: Allied Market Research

    Copyright © 2021 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login