Kathryn Hopkins

New York

Senior Editor at Women's Wear Daily (WWD)

Media Editor @WWD

Articles

Kecia Steelman, CEO of Ulta Beauty

6 days ago | wwd.com | Kathryn Hopkins

She may only be three months into the top job at Ulta Beauty, but chief executive officer Kecia Steelman is quickly garnering a reputation in the industry as a fast, intentional and strategic decision maker, who has wasted no time making her mark on the retailer.
Coty Benefits from Fragrance Boom, Despite Geographic Pressures

6 days ago | wwd.com | Kathryn Hopkins

The fragrance effect was alive and well at Coty in 2024, although its most recent set of earnings showed this was not enough to offset pressures from weak demand in Asia and tight inventory in the U.S. in the latter part of the calendar year, weighing on numbers. The beauty company continued to double down on fragrance, which has been a key driver of growth.
Procter & Gamble's Beauty Business Sees Growth in Hair, Declines in China

6 days ago | wwd.com | Kathryn Hopkins

Continued economic and geo-political headwinds, particularly in China, weighed on results for Procter & Gamble's beauty activity last year. On an organic basis, the firm's beauty business delivered sales growth of 2%, with slight gains across most brands and geographies. P&G's global hair care portfolio grew organic sales by mid-single digits, with all regions contributing to these results except China. Pantene and Herbal Essences both delivered high-single digit growth.
Growing Pains Hamper The EstÃ©e Lauder Cos.

6 days ago | wwd.com | Kathryn Hopkins

With a C-suite shuffle, thousands of layoffs, an Amazon U-turn and a disappearing outlook, it was a wild ride in 2024 for the Estée Lauder Cos.
Sell, Shut Down or Keep?

6 days ago | wwd.com | Kathryn Hopkins

Cutting ties? It's no secret that several strategics are assessing their portfolios at a pace not seen before as demand for foreign beauty products fails to bounce back in Asia and signs of a slowdown in the U.S. emerge. Most talked about is the Estée Lauder Cos. tapping consultancy Evercore to review its portfolio and speculation continues that its hair offering (Bumble and bumble and Aveda) or California brands (Smashbox, Glamglow and Too Faced) could be targets.
The 2024 Top 100 Beauty Companies

6 days ago | wwd.com | Alex Wynne |Jenny B. Fine |Faye Brookman |Emily Burns |Kathryn Hopkins |Noor Lobad | +5 more

Speed and agility were the buzzwords of 2024, so it's apropos that beauty sales broke the $250 billion barrier for the first time last year. But there are clouds on the horizon. What's clear from the 2024 WWD Beauty Inc Top 100, our annual ranking of the world's largest beauty companies by sales, is that the industry is undergoing seismic shifts as a result of geopolitical tensions, technological advances and a consumer landscape that is more complex than ever before.
Ulta Beauty Appoints Lauren Brindley as Chief Merchandising and Digital Officer

1 week ago | wwd.com | Kathryn Hopkins

Ulta Beauty has appointed Lauren Brindley as its new chief merchandising and digital officer, effective June 3. Brindley, who most recently served as CEO of Revolution Beauty, previously held senior leadership roles at Walgreens and Boots UK. She succeeds Monica Arnaudo, who announced her plans to retire in November. "I am truly honored to join Ulta Beauty and build upon the company's exceptional legacy of innovation and impact," said Brindley.
Ron Gee Departs Shiseido Americas

1 week ago | wwd.com | Kathryn Hopkins

Ron Gee has resigned as chief executive officer, Shiseido Americas and global M&A leader, the company announced Tuesday. Alberto Noe has been appointed interim CEO, Americas in addition to his current responsibilities as CEO, EMEA. A chemical engineer by training who started his career at Kraft Foods, Gee pivoted to finance, adding an MBA to his skillset, before moving to beauty.
Beauty M&A Faces Further Uncertainty Amid Tariffs

1 week ago | wwd.com | Kathryn Hopkins

Last year was a particularly slow one when it came to beauty M&A on the back of consumers tightening their belts in Asia, early signs of weakening demand in the U.S. and a slew of leadership changes across the category. Now, another issue is in the mix: the rapidly changing U.S. policy on tariffs. At the beginning of the month, President Donald Trump unveiled sweeping punitive tariffs on around 60 countries, sending the markets into a tailspin.
Ripple+ Further Expands Into Home With Reed Diffuser Collection Launch

2 weeks ago | wwd.com | Kathryn Hopkins

After expanding its line of nicotine-free vapes into homewares, Ripple+ Home, owned by brother and sister Sam and Lucie Beecham, is launching a collection of home diffusers. The Reed Diffuser collection consists of six aromas developed alongside master perfumers in Grasse, France: gardenia, wild berry, fig leaf, rose, orange and mimosa. They will debut in Liberty London and Fouquets & CO Bigelow New York, as well as Ripple+ Home's website, priced at $50.