Jenni Baden HowardViolet Grey is making headlines this morning, with reports that the company is close to acquiring luxury beauty retailer Cos Bar. Founded by Cassandra Grey and owned by Grey and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sherif Guirgis, Violet Grey bought The Detox Market earlier this year.
In executive news, it has been announced that Gilles Andrier, CEO of Givaudan, will retire from the role in March 2026, after 20 years in the position. Christian Stammkoetter, President Asia, Middle East & Africa at Danone, has been tapped as designated CEO, effective 1 March 2026. Andrier will be proposed for election as Chairman of the Board, at the 2026 AGM, when current Chairman Calvin Grieder will step down. Meanwhile, Henkel has appointed Marc Grannum as Senior Vice President of Commercial Development for Henkel Consumer Brands, North America.
In business updates, Kohl’s Corporation has shared its second quarter fiscal 2025 results, with a drop in net sales to 5.1%, to $3.3 billion, and comparable sales down by 4.2%.
In beauty launch news, Victoria Beckham Beauty has unveiled its latest collaboration with Augustinus Bader, in the form of The Foundation Drops. Beckham told British Vogue that she has been fine-tuning the shake-to-mix base for years. “The formula melts into skin for a naturally flawless complexion and nourishes with Augustinus Bader’s TFC8 technology as I wear it,” said Beckham. “This is a foundation that feels like nothing, but truly does everything.” Speaking of celebrity beauty buzz, Cosmetics Business reports on how beauty brands haven’t missed a beat in responding to the Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce engagement news, on social media.
In brick-and-mortar news, Sukoshi will open the largest Asian beauty store in New York City, its 15th store location, with 20 more planned by the end of 2025. “Asian beauty isn’t a passing wave, it is shaping the future of skincare and cosmetics,” commented Linda Dang, CEO of Sukoshi. “Our role is to champion the brands setting that standard and to create spaces where discovery and education make beauty more meaningful for every customer.”
Read more about these news stories by clicking on the links below.
Violet Grey To Acquire Cos Bar. “Farfetch acquired Violet Grey in 2022 and subsequently sold the business back to Grey and Guirgis in 2024,” reports WWD. “Since then it has opened a second brick-and-mortar store on Madison Avenue in New York while maintaining a door in Los Angeles and a shop-in-shop at Hirshleifers in Manhasset, N.Y.” (WWD)
Givaudan CEO Gilles Andrier To Retire. “Through his visionary leadership, the Company has consistently delivered industry-leading performance, and created significant shareholder value,” Calvin Grieder, the company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, commented. “He is also a purpose-led leader who has shaped and nurtured the strong culture and DNA of Givaudan, inspiring colleagues around the world.” (GIVAUDAN)
Victoria Beckham X Augustinus Bader Foundation Drops Unveiled. The drops launch in 19 shades, designed “with stretch to adapt across a wide spectrum of skin tones and undertones,” reports British VOGUE. (BRITISH VOGUE)
Marc Grannum Appointed Senior Vice President Of Commercial Development For Henkel Consumer Brands, North America. Grannum was most recently with The Campbell’s Company, and has held leadership positions as Vice President of Sales for its Direct Grocery and Growth Channel divisions in North America. (HAPPI)
Kohl’s Corporation Shares Q2 Fiscal 2025 Results. “Kohl’s Q2 performance reflects resilience in margin and cash flow management amid top-line pressures, positioning the retailer to navigate a challenging environment while executing on strategic 2025 initiatives,” reports Global Cosmetics News. (GLOBAL COSMETICS NEWS)
Sukoshi Opening Largest Asian Beauty Store In NYC. The new location will be at 1542 Third Ave, between 86th and 87th Streets. (BEAUTY PACKAGING)
Beauty Brands Swift To Respond To Taylor And Kelce Engagement Buzz. For example, MAC Cosmetics is promoting its classic Ruby Woo lipstick, with the caption “ruby woo is ready for her wedding era”. (COSMETICS BUSINESS)
