Bath & Body Works has appointed Gina Boswell as CEO and member of the board, effective from 1 December.
Boswell will take over from Sarah Nash, who has served as interim CEO since May 2022 after Andrew Meslow’s departure.
Meslow headed up the American retail brand for 20 years before stepping down due to health reasons.
Boswell is tasked with enhancing the company’s omnichannel approach, executing merchandising initiatives and accelerating growth across all channels, categories and regions.
She has more than 30 years experience in personal care leadership roles, having held three prominent positions at beauty conglomerate Unilever.
Boswell joined Unilever as Executive VP of Personal Care in North America in 2011.
She managed a multibillion-dollar portfolio of more than 20 personal care brands, including Axe, Degree, Dove, Vaseline, Tresemmé and Suave.
In 2015, she took over as Head of Unilever UK and Ireland, responsible for the profit and loss across all personal care, home care and food/refreshment categories.
Boswell was then promoted to President of Customer Development for Unilever US in 2017, heading up revenue delivery across all channels, customers and categories.
She has also led cross-functional teams, domestically and internationally, at other beauty giants, including Alberto Culver Company, Avon and The Estee Lauder Companies.
Boswell is tasked with enhancing Bath & Body Works omnichannel approach
A new era for Bath & Body Works
“I am both honoured and excited to join Bath & Body Works and lead the company at such a dynamic time,” said Boswell.
“I see tremendous potential to leverage the company’s deep customer connections, significant product innovation capabilities and vertically integrated supply chain to advance [its] growth and drive shareholder value.
“I look forward to partnering with the board, leadership team and the talented associates.
“To accelerate the company’s leadership as a global omnichannel personal care and home fragrance brand.”
Nash, who has also been executive chair of the Bath & Body Works board, will continue to serve in that role until 28 January 2023.
She will then transition back to board chair.
Commenting on Boswell’s appointment, Nash added: “Gina is a proven leader of global businesses, with decades of beauty and personal care industry experience.
“[She has] an impressive track record of driving profitable growth.
“Gina’s customer-centric mindset, multi-channel expertise and passion for building high-performance cultures make her the ideal leader.”
This is not the first big appointment announcement made by the beauty retailer this week.
Bath & Body Works has also hired Kelie Charles as Chief Diversity Officer to further develop its DEI strategies.