Princeton, New Jersey, United States
I began study of Mandarin in 1981, and have lived and worked professionally in China for 19 out of the last 39 years. First as an import-export entrepreneur in 1985, then in a series of increasingly important roles with leading consumer products players such as P&G, Clairol, L’Oreal and LVMH, I have covered all categories of beauty care, and all retail channels including e-commerce, in China. I started Star Brands Asia in 2009, leading indie beauty brands to success in the exciting and fast-changing China market, and this work continues!
Star Brands Asia is a team of experts focused on building beauty brands in China. We provide brands with complete solutions to run all aspects of the China business. With decades of direct operational brand management experience, deep functional and product category expertise, and a successful track record covering all retail and online channels, our mission is to get your brand off to a great start and drive strong, sustainable growth in this exciting market
Drove new energy and passion into this unique niche makeup brand. Rebuilt leadership team and instituted sales force management systems to focus on making real connections with consumers. Reinvigorated brand DNA and created high engagement from 500 front-line beauty advisors across department store, Sephora and boutique channels. Led successful launch of brow segment products which are dominant market leaders in the stores where they are sold. Grew Sephora business +40% year on year. Launched celebrity spokesperson campaign which is a first for the Brand globally. Championed and led entry into e-commerce (Tmall)
Led integration and re-engineering of newly acquired 1,000 person salon sales force and distribution network, instituted modern category management, designed new store format across 800 store chain, and assessed and recommended brand acquisition candidates
Launched America's #1 salon brand in China market from zero. The brand achieved the widest distribution for a professional hair color brand via the fastest expansion in the history of the category
Worked across full Asia zone to drive Redken brand professional hair products to high double digit growth rates; prepared for regional expansion of newly-acquired Matrix brand
Launched Clairol consumer brands in China. Acheived #1 share position amongst international brands in conditioner and styling segments, and #2 in hair color. Championed China-specific new product launches that later became global successes and created award-winning TV advertising
Also at J&J in preceding order: - Product Director Neutrogena UK - Assistant Product Director Stayfree USA