In the midst of the Christmas season, a somber cloud has cast a shadow over the world of hairdressing as we bid farewell to a true legend: Klaus Peter Ochs.
Klaus Peter Ochs, the long-time World President of Intercoiffure Mondial and an iconic figure in the industry, passed away on Monday, December 18, 2023, following a brief but serious illness. His legacy in the world of hairstyling is etched in history, and his absence leaves an irreplaceable void.
Klaus Peter Ochs assumed the role of “President Mondial” of Intercoiffure Mondial in 2000, succeeding Maurice Franck. With his visionary approach, he breathed new life into the organization, bringing forth a wave of innovation and ideas that revitalized our industry. His commitment to professionalism in ICD dealings with partner companies, the informative Intercoiffure Magazine, the creative global competition TrendBlast, and the establishment of the Worldacademy, alongside ICD current President Peter Pfister, were all testament to his leadership and forward-thinking spirit.
Creative genius, businessman, top-stylist, and President of Intercoiffure Mondial, Klaus Peter Ochs was a true visionary and a hairdressing trendsetter. Being at the helm of creative and successful entrepreneurship is a challenge that not many can master, but Klaus Peter Ochs did so effortlessly. His innovative ideas and unwavering support from his partners and colleagues allowed him to steer Intercoiffure Mondial for many years.
“A long parallel history bound our families. Eugen Ochs opened the first Ochs family salon in Frankfurt in 1920. Two years later, my grandfather opened the salon of the Pissimiglia brothers in Turin,” says Roberto Pissimiglia, Estetica Network Editor & Publisher. “With Klaus Peter, it was easy and stimulating to travel back in time in search of defining moments in the history of hairstyling. Even more so, we sought moments, projects, and opportunities that our contemporary stories could present to us. And so it was for over thirty years. From the moment I personally brought the first issue of Estetica Deutche Ausgabe to his salon, to our trips to Los Angeles as ‘expert judges’ for the Global Salon Business Awards created by our mutual friend Paula Kent to honor the world’s best hairdressing businesses. We never missed the backstage of countless editions of the Alternative Hair Show, where we would meet with common friends. We embarked on a long journey with ICD Mondial, he as a charismatic leader respected by all, and I as the partner publisher of Intercoiffure worldwide. Klaus Peter was also one of the prominent protagonists of our cherished Estetica Master Parade. Our periodic meetings or interviews were filled with relaxation and friendship, amidst magazines, photo shoots, new salon openings, and a couple of ‘German pilsners’…“
“Klaus Peter Ochs was a reference point for our entire industry: as a salon hairdresser, as a stage performer, as an entrepreneur himself, as a World President; and as a knowledgeable, reliable, visionary person. He leaves behind a great void,” adds Roberto Pissimiglia.
The news of Klaus Peter’s passing has left the hairdressing community in shock and mourning. “His sudden death surprised and shocked us all and it is a pity that we were not able to honour and thank him for his long presidency at the 100 Years World Congress! As his successor at Intercoiffure Mondial and on behalf of the entire Intercoiffure community, it only remains for me to send the family lots of strength and positive thoughts,” said Peter Pfister, President Intercoiffure Mondial.
Dear Klaus Peter, your contributions to our profession have left an indelible mark. We thank you for your unwavering dedication and passion. Your legacy lives on in the countless lives you’ve touched, and you will be sorely missed.