Kao Corporation has created a new pan-regional organisation structure for its Functions and Operations business.
The move is part of the Japanese beauty company’s plans to “further strengthen'' its business growth in the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa regions (AEMEA).
The new structure is said to create more synergies and reduce duplications and complexity within Functions and Operations across all AEMEA regions.
“[It will] better support the business, fuel growth for all sectors, and create a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace for all its employees,” said the company.
Kao’s cosmetics business includes household names such as Sensai, Kanebo, Molton Brown and John Frieda.
Guido Kirchhoff will lead the newly created AEMEA supply chain organisation as President of Global Operations.
Kirchhoff is a supply chain expert who has worked on global assignments for beauty giants such as Procter & Gamble and Wella.
He joined Kao in 2004 as Global Supply Chain Leader for the salon business sector.
Steve Cagle, meanwhile, has been appointed President of Global Functions.
He previously held leadership positions at Kraft General Foods, Alberto Culver and Helene Curtis.
“Both Guido and Steve have a proven track record of leading and developing diverse and broad organisations,” said Karen Frank, President of Consumer Care Business AEMEA at Kao Corporation.
“Their experience will help us to form a strong pan-regional AEMEA organisation.”