Kao Corporation, the Japanese beauty conglomerate, has made changes to its leadership team, including its President and CEO, in a bid to drive growth amid a changing business environment.
Yoshihiro Hasebe
The owner of John Frieda and Bioré has appointed Yoshihiro Hasebe as its new Representative Director, President and CEO, set to take over the role from Michitaka Sawada in January 2021.
A beauty industry veteran, Hasebe has been with the company for more than 30 years and has held a number of senior positions across its hair and beauty, technology and household product departments.
Meanwhile, Sawada, Kao's current President and CEO, will assume the role of Director, Chair, after serving the company for almost 40 years in a variety of primarily R&D-based roles.
Sawada is also the Deputy President of industry body the Japan Cosmetic Industry Association, as well as Executive Director of the Japan Hygiene Products Industry Association, a position he took up in June this year.
Going forwards, Kao hopes the changes in leadership will allow it to better serve its customers across its portfolio of beauty and personal care brands, which include Molton Brown, Guhl, Jergens, Curél and more.
