WWD: Keeping Up with the Changing Landscape of Beauty<\/strong><\/p>\n I decided to renew my subscription to Women\u2019s Wear Daily<\/em>. They were running a special, and honestly, I missed being in the know about the beauty and glam industry. WWD<\/em> is one of those subscriptions that\u2019s totally worth it. You\u2019ll find stories there that you just don\u2019t see anywhere else\u2014true insider stuff when it comes to all things glamorous.<\/p>\n Today, I came across some really intriguing updates: two major executives are leaving two big-name brands. And I can\u2019t help but wonder\u2014what\u2019s behind the shake-up? Is it because we\u2019ve finally got some sanity back in America since November 5, 2024? Is it just a coincidence? Or maybe it means absolutely nothing at all.<\/p>\n First, we have Peter Jueptner leaving Estee Lauder.<\/p>\n Peter Jueptner, Est\u00e9e Lauder Group President, International, is Leaving the Company https:\/\/t.co\/eh3sa7Yakj<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 WWD (@wwd) January 24, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n From 2014 to 2017, I worked for Est\u00e9e Lauder in retail, specifically for the Jo Malone London brand\u2014and I absolutely loved it. If I didn\u2019t already have a solid job, I\u2019d seriously consider going back, though this time I\u2019d love to work for the makeup line. Then again, I might be getting a little too old for the makeup counter life.<\/p>\n I mention all of this to say: yes, I worked directly for Est\u00e9e Lauder at one point, and it was a fantastic company to be part of. But pay attention to those dates\u20142014 to 2017. A lot has changed since then. I even had the chance to meet one of the Lauders when they toured our Jo Malone London store, which says a lot about how hands-on they were at the time.<\/p>\n Since those days, the company has been through a ton of changes\u2014restructuring, shakeups, and the inevitable realignments that come with being a massive corporation. And, of course, the pandemic only added to the upheaval. I recently bumped into a former coworker, and she shared that her position had been completely cut. It\u2019s a reminder of just how much has shifted in the industry since I was there.<\/p>\n During my time at Est\u00e9e Lauder, the beauty industry was evolving, but some of the more polarizing debates we see today weren\u2019t as prominent. For example, the current discussions around gender identity and its implications in various spaces\u2014beauty included\u2014have certainly stirred up strong opinions.<\/p>\n Now, men wearing makeup is nothing new. It didn\u2019t bother me then, and it doesn\u2019t bother me now. The beauty industry has always had space for men, especially talented male makeup artists and hairstylists\u2014many of whom have been trailblazers in their fields. That\u2019s fine with me.<\/p>\n What I find challenging is the broader cultural shift where some conversations feel more like demands to redefine foundational concepts like gender. While I support inclusivity and respect for everyone, I also believe it\u2019s okay to hold personal perspectives on these complex issues.<\/p>\n So since the election and we are shifting back to normalcy, it makes me wonder if these beauty execs are stepping down for that reason or just something else altogether. Who knows.<\/p>\n \u201cIn the face of considerable headwinds, Peter began the crucial transformation of the global commercial organization that continues today, as we evolve into a more agile organization able to respond with focus and precision to consumer needs across geographies and channels,\u201d the company said. \u201cThroughout his career with the company, Peter has been deeply committed to fostering talent and promoting a culture of diversity, inclusivity and equity\u2026 An energetic and inspiring leader, Peter\u2019s team-building abilities and close partnerships with executives across the enterprise have fueled the success of the company\u2019s international business<\/em>.\u201d \u2013 WWD<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Another top executive on their way out is from Ulta. Remember them? They were behind the whole Dylan Mulvaney \u201c100 Days of Girlhood\u201d campaign that caused quite a stir. When I first heard about it, I honestly thought it had to be a joke\u2014but no, it was very real.<\/p>\n I later found out that Mulvaney was even promoting this on a podcast owned by Ulta. Interestingly, I just learned that the podcast hasn\u2019t released any new episodes since June 2023. Makes you wonder what happened there, doesn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n After the surprise stepping down of then-chief executive officer Dave Kimbell \u2014\u00a0and ensuing elevation of president and chief operating officer Kecia Steelman to the top job \u2014\u00a0the largest beauty retailer in the U.S. has parted ways with its chief marketing officer,\u00a0Michelle Crossan-Matos<\/a>, who held the role since 2023<\/em>. \u2013 WWD<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Maybe the beauty industry is starting to get the message about all this DEI-woke nonsense\u2014but let\u2019s be honest, we\u2019re unlikely to see any real change. We\u2019ll still be buying our favorite lip stains, glosses, bronzers, and highlighters regardless.<\/p>\nEstee Lauder<\/h3>\n
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Ulta<\/h3>\n
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