L'Oréal names first-ever chief innovation and prospective officer
French beauty giant L'Oréal announced on Wednesday the appointment of Delphine Viguier-Hovasse to the newly created role of chief innovation and prospective officer, effective July 1.
Forming part of the Paris-based company's executive committee, Viguier-Hovasse will report to Barbara Lavernos, deputy chief executive officer, in charge of research, innovation and technology.
In her new position, Viguier-Hovasse will oversee both the firm's existing innovation teams and the strategic prospective department, for a holistic and pioneering approach to beauty innovation, according to a press release.
A beauty veteran with a background in engineering, Viguier-Hovasse joined L'Oréal in 1997, rising through the leadership ranks across marketing and innovation.
In 2019, she was named the first woman ever to lead the L'Oréal Paris brand at a global level, where the brand logged impressive growth, thanks to new innovations like Elsève Glycolic Gloss and Panorama Mascara.
The executive also lead the brand's iconic events, such 'Le Défilé', which has become a regular on Paris Fashion Week, as well the brand's participation at the Cannes Film Festival.
Under her leadership, the brand has also supported female empowerment via its Stand-Up program against street harassment, which has trained nearly 3 million people worldwide.
'I am delighted to appoint Delphine as the group's first-ever chief innovation and prospective officer," said Nicolas Hieronimus, chief executive officer of L'Oréal.
"Her exceptional track record of innovation and her strategic vision make her ideally suited to elevate our company's innovation to new heights. I am sure that her forward-thinking approach and deep understanding of the evolving beauty landscape will help us write the next chapter of the L'Oréal adventure."
In its most recent trading update in April, L'Oreal logged a 3.5% rise in like-for-like first-quarter sales, as strong demand in Europe more than offset tougher market conditions in the United States.
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