Chanel Taps Luxury Veteran Simona Cattaneo to Lead Fragrance and Beauty Division

Chanel, the iconic French fashion house, has announced the appointment of Simona Cattaneo as its new President of Fragrance and Beauty. Cattaneo, a seasoned global business leader with over 30 years of experience in the luxury beauty industry, will take over the role from Anne Kirby, who is set to retire at the end of 2024 after a successful five-year tenure.

Elevating Chanel's Fragrance and Beauty Offerings

Bringing a Wealth of Expertise

Simona Cattaneo joins Chanel from the Tod's Group, where she served as General Manager for three years. Prior to that, she held the position of President of Luxury Brands and Chief Marketing Officer at Coty, a leading global beauty company. Cattaneo's impressive resume also includes roles at L'Oréal, Burberry, and Parfums Christian Dior, further solidifying her expertise in the luxury beauty industry.

Driving Transformation and Growth

In its statement, Chanel highlighted Cattaneo's ability to manage prestigious brands, build new businesses across product categories, and lead large-scale transformations within complex global organizations. This wealth of experience will be invaluable as she takes the helm of Chanel's Fragrance and Beauty division, which has been a key driver of the brand's success.

Strengthening Chanel's Makeup Offerings

During her tenure as President, Anne Kirby was credited with strengthening Chanel's Fragrance and Beauty division, including the launch of the Comètes Collective in October 2022. This initiative aimed to reinvigorate and diversify Chanel's makeup offerings, catering to the evolving needs and preferences of its discerning clientele.

Capitalizing on Fragrance and Beauty Growth

Chanel's Fragrance and Beauty division has been a standout performer, with the company reporting sales of nearly US$20 billion in 2023. The division is said to have experienced "very strong growth" across all categories, underscoring the importance of this segment to Chanel's overall success.

Navigating a Changing Luxury Landscape

Cattaneo's appointment comes at a pivotal time for Chanel, as the luxury industry navigates shifting consumer preferences and a rapidly evolving competitive landscape. Her expertise in driving transformation and growth within complex global organizations will be crucial in positioning Chanel's Fragrance and Beauty division for continued success in the years to come.

Fostering Innovation and Creativity

As Chanel's new President of Fragrance and Beauty, Cattaneo will be tasked with building on the brand's rich heritage and reputation for excellence, while also exploring new avenues for innovation and creativity. Her ability to identify emerging trends and consumer insights will be instrumental in shaping Chanel's future fragrance and beauty offerings.

Strengthening Chanel's Competitive Edge

Cattaneo's appointment comes on the heels of a recent executive shakeup at Chanel, which saw the departure of its Artistic Director, Virginie Viard. The addition of Cattaneo's expertise and leadership will further strengthen Chanel's competitive edge in the luxury beauty market, as the brand continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of its discerning clientele.