Keune, a leading multination haircosmetics brand specialising in high-quality professional products for the beauty industry, announces the appointment of Jo McKay and JR Slane to the growing Kuene UK team.
Jo McKay
Jo McKay joins the Bloom x Keune UK team as Master Colour Ambassador. She brings considerable industry experience, having been hairdressing for more than 31 years. As a technical specialist, Jo has travelled the world developing bespoke education programmes to suit individuals or teams. She has also conducted main stage seminar presentations to a world-wide audience. Jo has had her own collections published in leading magazines and has supported numerous salons in shows and photo shoots.
In her new position, Jo will be demonstrating all the possibilities of Keune colour at its best. She will support the knowledge and skills of the hairdresser through education for the brand. At the same time she will run a column in the House of Keune by Bloom to service her clients. Jo will also support training and career development for the Bloom team in London, and directing the creative image of the Bloom salon group’s colour offering.
Of her new role, Jo says: “Coming from a family of hairdressers, I love the fact that Keune is a family-owned company with such heritage. I’m so excited to start my role and join Keune on its new journey in the UK”.
JR Slane
JR Slane joins the Bloom team as Creative Director and Salon Partner. He has extensive industry experience, having undergone his formal education at Vidal Sassoon. There, he quickly established a reputation as a leading creative and educator and has travelled the world sharing his knowledge.
JR takes responsibility for recruiting, training and career development for the Bloom team in London. He designs and delivers the guest experience and directing the creative image of the Bloom salon group.
“Seeing the value Keune puts on salons is really important to me,” says JR. “The fact that the company is 100% loyal to the industry by only selling the brand within salons really ensures our business comes first, and being 100 years old this year is incredible”
Darren Potter, general manager of Keune UK, said, “We are very happy to welcome Jo and JR to the Keune team. Both have huge experience and talent. I’m confident that their considerable industry experience and reputation will help make a real difference to the ongoing success of the business over the coming years.”
Both Jo and JR will be based at Keune’s new flagship training academy. This is a 5,700 square foot, state-of-the-art development in Holborn, Central London. It will boast a coffee shop & bakery, Keune UK headquarters and the House of Keune by Bloom. This is a 29-seat luxurious salon opening in September 2022.
Keune, currently active in 85 countries, has recently published its first Sustainability Report, designed to ensure a long-term vision focused on enhancing the well-being of the company’s employees and society at large. The report highlights the brand’s overarching strategic pillars – Enhancing Wellbeing, Sustainable Production and Sustainable Products & Packaging – all of which have time-bound targets and all play a central role in integrating sustainability into the business operations.
About Keune
Keune Haircosmetics is the largest privately owned Dutch manufacturer of hair care products for the hairdressing industry. Established in 1922 by Jan Keune, one of the founders of the permanent formula- Keune has developed into a multinational, specialising in high-quality professional hair care products for the beauty industry. All Keune products are developed and manufactured in the company’s laboratory and factory in the Netherlands.