Jenni Baden HowardThe beauty world is mourning the loss of Sharon Chuter, 38, the visionary founder of the inclusive cosmetics brand Uoma Beauty, as well as founder of Pull Up for Change, an initiative that corralled an industry into improving representation for Black beauty executives. Chuter also founded the company’s sister brand, Uoma Beauty By Sharon C.
In executive headlines, Ulta Beauty has added Martin Brok and Stephenie Landry to its Board of Directors, effective September 1. “We’re thrilled to welcome Martin and Stephenie to our Board of Directors,” said Kecia Steelman, President and CEO. “Their transformative track records and strategic vision will be invaluable as we navigate our next chapter of growth.” Both will also be members of the company’s Audit and Compensation Committees. Meanwhile, The Beauty Tech Group, which owns the CurrentBody, ZIIP Beauty and Trim Laser brands, has tapped Elaine O’Donnell as its new Non-Executive Chair, in preparation for a London Stock Exchange floatation later this year. Meanwhile, as part of its restructuring program, The Estée Lauder Companies has signed off 3,200 job cuts, reports Global Cosmetics News, with the possibility of losing a further 3,800.
WWD has revealed that Armani Beauty is stepping up its long-time affiliation with the Venice Film Festival, with more activations for this year’s event, which begins tomorrow and runs through September 6. These include The Giorgio Armani Cinema Club, to be attended by ambassadors Cate Blanchett, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Sadie Sink. “Cinema has always been at the core of our identity,” commented Richard Pinabel, global president of the L’Oréal-licensed Armani Beauty. In other celebrity beauty news, Paul Mitchell has appointed Paris Hilton as its new Global Ambassador.
Here at CEW, the August 2025 Product Watch has dropped, showcasing the month’s newcomers of note across all categories. Polly Blitzer unpacks the newness, which includes the much buzzed-about unveiling of Louis Vuitton’s La Beauté makeup collection, and celebrity hair stylist Chris McMillan’s new hair care range. Also, don’t miss our special report on the PlanetHAUS event — supporting sustainable living in beauty, food, and fashion — coming to New York City on September 24, during Climate Week NYC.
Read more about these and other news stories by clicking on the links below.
Beauty Industry Mourns The Loss Of Uoma Beauty Founder Sharon Chuter. In the wake of George Floyd’s murder in 2020, Chuter created Pull Up For Change and the #PullUpOrShutUp social media initiative, which called on beauty companies to divulge the number of Black employees they have in their organizations and leadership ranks in an effort to increase diversity and inclusion. (BEAUTY INDEPENDENT)
Ulta Beauty Adds Martin Brok And Stephenie Landry To Its Board of Directors. “Martin is an accomplished, strategic leader with deep international experience in the areas of retailing, merchandising, and brand strategy, while Stephenie has strong operational and digital innovation expertise and sustainability leadership,” said Kecia Steelman, president and CEO. (HAPPI)
The Beauty Tech Group Appoints Elaine O’Donnell As Non-Executive Chair. “Her appointment is seen as a key step in strengthening leadership as the Manchester-based company transitions from private ownership to a public listing, which could value the business at around £350m,” reports Cosmetics Business. (COSMETICS BUSINESS)
The Estée Lauder Companies Approves 3,200 Job Cuts. “The layoffs, approved August 13, are part of a restructuring plan first disclosed in February and could ultimately affect up to 12% of Estée Lauder’s global workforce,” reports Global Cosmetics News. (GLOBAL COSMETICS NEWS)
Lights, Camera, Armani. On Armani Beauty’s increase in activations for the 2025 Venice Film Festival, Richard Pinabel, its global president, told WWD that “our presence here is a profound statement of cultural influence, a testament to Giorgio Armani‘s deep and continuing dialogue with cinema.” (WWD)
Paul Mitchell Makes Paris Hilton Global Ambassador. “Paris Hilton has been setting trends and breaking boundaries for decades. Her passion for beauty, authenticity, and giving back aligns perfectly with our values,” said Michaeline DeJoria, CEO of John Paul Mitchell Systems. (BEAUTY PACKAGING)
CEW August 2025 Product Watch Drops. Highlights include the big reveal of Louis Vuitton’s La Beauté range. “Launching August 29, McGrath drew inspiration from Louis Vuitton’s archives, historic vanity trunks and Nicolas Ghesquière’s runway designs in choosing shades and textures,” writes CEW reporter Polly Blitzer. (CEW)
PlanetHAUS Is Coming To NYC. A day-long immersion in climate-positive innovation, design, and community, the program will take place at Maxwell Social in Tribeca, and will be divided into three immersive tracts: Imagination to Action, Circularity in Practice, and Regenerative Futures. (CEW)
Makeup Alley Shutters. “The online forum for beauty product reviews founded in 1999 and acquired by Japanese commerce giant Istyle Inc. in 2017, announced on Sunday via its social media channels that it would shut down effective September 27,” reports BoF. (BUSINESS OF FASHION)
