Today it was announced that Sylvie Moreau, long-time champion of the professional industry and chief of the Wella brands, including Wella Professionals, OPI, ghd, Nioxin, and Clairol, will be stepping down from her role as Coty Professional Beauty President.
“It’s been an amazing journey. I love this industry, its people, our brands and most of all, my teams around the globe. Stepping down is the most challenging decision of my career yet I believe my mission at Wella has been fulfilled. Having led Wella to independence again will be my legacy. I am very proud of what we have accomplished together, and I deeply thank the #wellafamily for rewarding me with their trust and support through these many years,” said Ms. Moreau.
Also announced today was the appointment of Annie Young-Scrivner to the position of CEO of the Wella Company, which will become effective upon close of the previously announced transaction in which KKR is acquiring 60% of Wella from Coty Inc.
Ms. Young-Scrivner joins Wella from GODIVA Chocolatier where she served as CEO for the last three years. Her tenure at GODIVA is marked by accelerating growth with expansion into new channels and categories to make the iconic brand more accessible to consumers, while honoring the brand’s heritage. In addition to being the driving force behind GODIVA’s social impact efforts to empower women, Ms. Young-Scrivner also led the enhancement of GODIVA’s digital experience, making it a critical component to the brand’s ecosystem.
During her three-decade career, Ms. Young-Scrivner has demonstrated exceptional strength in brand, digital, and talent development across different channels. Having worked in more than 30 countries around the world, she brings a deep understanding of global markets. Prior to GODIVA, Ms. Young-Scrivner spent a number of years in senior positions at Starbucks Corporation and PepsiCo.
“I am honored to join Wella at such a pivotal time in the brand’s history as it celebrates 140 years of Wella, but the 40th anniversary of OPI, the 20th of ghd, and the birth of WeDo/ Professional,” Ms. Young-Scrivner said. “I’ve long admired the company’s passion for supporting its partners, many of which are small enterprises. My family had many small businesses, ranging from restaurants to retail shops to wellness salons. The entrepreneurial spirit is weaved into my DNA, and it’s why I have tremendous respect for small business owners, like the 250,000 nail and hair salons we serve today.”
“It comforts me to leave this organization in great hands. Annie is a wonderful leader who believes in the power of people and who’ll bring a fresh point to the business and to the Leadership Team, as the Wella Company embarks on its next chapter,” added Ms. Moreau.
Ms. Moreau will remain in her role until the transaction between KKR and Coty closes. “I would like to thank Sylvie for leaving behind a wonderful legacy, a remarkable team and a solid foundation from which we will grow,” concluded Ms. Young-Scrivner.