The Body Shop has unveiled two senior leadership appointments to help “optimise the business” and “drive growth” post-acquisition.
Penny Brook (pictured left) has been named CMO, while Sally Dowling (right) has been appointed CFO/COO.
The British beauty retailer hopes these seasoned executives will help it move forward with its ‘cultural reset’ in 2025 and beyond after it fell into administration in February.
The embattled business was then rescued by retail tycoon Mike Jatania’s Auréa consortium, who fully acquired the business in September.
"We have brought together a world-class leadership team with deep industry experience and significant financial acumen all united in a mission to revitalise an iconic brand,” said Jatania.
Brook will be focused on steering The Body Shop through its post-sale rebuild.
She is a seasoned retail veteran, having worked more than a decade at clothing brand Canada Goose, where she oversaw a period of transformation and growth.
Brook has been cited as accelerating the company’s pivot from a niche cold weather expedition specialist to an aspirational lifestyle brand.
Dowling, meanwhile, is experienced in piloting commercial and operational teams.
She has led companies in FMCG, manufacturing and distribution, working across Europe and Asia.
She most recently served as CFO for auto parts store GSF Car Parts and led the company’s sale to Epiris.
“The Body Shop has always thrived under the leadership of smart, courageous women, and that is certainly what we have now with Penny and Sally, in two of the company’s most influential roles,” said The Body Shop CEO Charles Denton.
“Their appointment reflects our two priorities as a business going forward.
“Firstly, to delight customers around the world with trailblazing innovations and the highest standards of ethical beauty.
“And secondly, to bring the company back to fiscal health, building a sustainable company in the truest sense, which can last for decades to come.
“Both Penny and Sally are brimming with excitement and ideas over the opportunities we have in front of us.
“And I could not be more confident we have the right people in place to seize those opportunities.”
The Body Shop recently announced it was moving its UK headquarters as part of its new ‘cultural reset’ strategy.
The British company is relocating to Brighton, which is where the company opened its first shop in 1976 – as a sign that the brand is going back to its roots.
The Body Shop’s new owner is now preparing to rebuild The Body Shop’s UK business and international presence in 2025.