Olaplex has revamped its C-suite to turn the company’s fortunes around and fuel its next phase of growth.
CEO Amanda Baldwin, who took over in January, is on a mission to refuel the bond-building hair care brand after it grappled with financial and legal challenges last year.
As part of this plan, Baldwin has named two senior leadership appointments to put the business on “a trajectory to generate consistent sales and profit growth”.
Catherine Dunleavy has been named Olaplex’s COO and CFO, effective 13 August.
She will oversee Olaplex’s business operations, with the aim to align all functions to execute strategy and drive results.
“Olaplex is at an important stage of its evolution and I cannot wait to help build on the work to date to unlock the company’s tremendous potential,” said Dunleavy.
Dunleavy has more than two decades of experience in consumer-facing brands and most recently served as President of travel lifestyle brand Away.
Other roles include chief financial roles at Nike and NBCUniversal.
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“Catherine is a proven leader with a strong track record of executing high-impact strategic, operational and financial initiatives at scale at some of the world’s most recognisable brands,” said Baldwin.
Eric Tiziani stepped down as Olaplex’s CFO in May to pursue another opportunity.
Seasoned executive Katie Gohman has also joined Olaplex as CMO, effective 15 July, overseeing the brand’s global marketing efforts.
Gohman has experience growing prestige retail and beauty brands, holding marketing leadership positions at L’Oréal, Ralph Lauren and Coach.
She has most recently served as CMO for American fashion brand Marc Jacobs.
“Katie’s marketing and creative acumen will be instrumental in our efforts to maximise the power of the Olaplex brand and empower and enable the success of our stylist community,” added Baldwin.
Olaplex had a tough 2023, reporting a sales slump for its products due to poor demand.
The company was not only dogged by increased bond repair competition from the likes of K18 and Redken Bonding, but some bad publicity as well.
This included a class action lawsuit alleging the company’s products cause hair loss, which Olaplex has vehemently denied.
Despite the court granting Olaplex’s motion to sever and dismiss the claims, the brand has been working hard to get back on top.