In breaking executive news, Veronique Gabai has been tapped by Bath & Body Works as its Creative Product and Brand Adviser. The news follows the appointment of Maly Bernstein as Chief Commercial Officer for the brand. “Gabai has over 25 years of experience in the beauty industry, including having served as chief executive officer of Vera Wang and global brand president at the Estée Lauder Cos.,” reports WWD. “She is also the founder of her own brand, Veronique Gabai, inspired by the South of France, where she grew up, and sits on the board of directors of Interparfums, Life Time Brands, and Parfums de Marly.” In other executive updates, Hermès has appointed Anne-Sarah Panhard as its new Head of Perfume and Beauty.

Circana brings festive cheer with the publication of its Q3 Beauty Sales report. “The beauty industry had a really stellar third quarter and, in fact, the growth rate has ramped up when we compare the past three quarters of 2025, which bodes well stepping into the holiday,” commented Larissa Jensen, Global Beauty Industry Advisor at Circana. “Beauty is in a position to shine this holiday, with one-third of consumers planning to gift beauty products — a meaningful increase from last year.” CEW reporter Faye Brookman highlights the key takeaways, in our special report. 

Also here at CEW, we reveal the five key trends reshaping the future of beauty in the Middle East, according to Euromonitor International. “The Middle East is no longer just following beauty trends — it’s setting them,” reports CEW’s Andrea Nagel, who attended Beautyworld Middle East. “From booming growth and trend-defining innovations to the rise of regional brands commanding global attention, the sands and skylines of the Middle East and Africa are where the future of beauty is taking shape.” 

Honoring 37 winners from more than 270 finalists across the skin care, makeup, fragrance, and hair care, don’t miss our highlights from CEW’s 2025 Beauty Awards Luncheon, with behind-the-scenes photos of the event. “Together, we connect as a community and applaud those who are setting new standards, driving innovation, and embodying the shared values of CEW members,” said CEW President Carlotta Jacobson.

In brick and mortar news, CEW highlights the new generation of flagship stores creating a global beauty buzz, as revealed by the latest report from WSL Strategic Retail. And, in other international beauty news, Happi reports that L’Oréal has announced a minority investment in the Chinese clean beauty brand Lan, according to reports. 

Read more about these and other breaking news stories by clicking on the links below.

Veronique Gabai Appointed Bath & Body Works’ Creative Product and Brand Adviser. “We’re on an ambitious journey to reignite Bath & Body Works, raising the bar for our products, our storytelling, and the experiences we create for our consumers. Veronique will be a key partner in helping us stretch our thinking and stay grounded in what today’s customers want and need,” said Daniel Heaf, CEO of Bath & Body Works. (WWD)

Hermès Taps Anne-Sarah Panhard As New Head of Perfume and Beauty. Panhard is the former managing director of Hermès’ home division, and succeeds Agnès de Villers in her new role. (BUSINESS OF FASHION)

Circana Brings Festive Cheer With Q3 Beauty Sales Report. “Consumers are still treating themselves to beauty despite economic concerns,” reports CEW’s Faye Brookman. “Mass and prestige channels posted solid dollar and unit gains, led by fragrance, which was up 17% in mass and 6% in prestige.” (CEW)

Five Trends Reshaping The Future Of Beauty In The Middle East. “Sales in the region, where beauty and personal care is valued as a $44 billion market, are growing at a remarkable 18% — more than double the global average,” reports CEW’s Andrea Nagel.

Behind The Scenes AT CEW’s 2025 Beauty Awards Luncheon. “As the only beauty awards program powered by industry peers through a rigorous and trusted selection process by CEW’s Finalist Nominating Committee – comprised of a diverse group of executives, entrepreneurs, industry insiders, editors, and social influencers – the CEW Beauty Awards represent the industry’s highest honor and ultimate recognition in beauty,” writes CEW’s Andrea Nagel. (CEW)

WSL Strategic Retail Spotlights New Generation Of Flagship Stores. The new international flagships are redefining what shoppers expect from beauty. (CEW)

L’Oréal Announces Minority Investment In Lan. “This is L’Oréal’s latest innovation investment in China through Shanghai Meicifang Investment Co., Ltd (Meicifang), with the support from BOLD (Business Opportunities for L’Oréal Development), L’Oréal Groupe’s strategic innovation venture capital fund company,” reports Happi. (HAPPI)

Sephora Makes Sustainability Milestone. 100,000 pounds of used beauty packaging have been recycled through its Beauty (Re)Purposed program with Pact Collective, launched in 2023 across U.S. and Canadian freestanding stores, reports Global Cosmetics News. (GLOBAL COSMETICS NEWS)

Redken Appoints Patricia Nikole As Its New Global Artistic Ambassador. Nikole is also known as @paintedhair on Instagram. (COSMETICS BUSINESS)