Kao announces new leadership for its Cosmetics Business in Europe and the Americas

Mark Johnson appointed President Cosmetics Business AEMEA and Executive Officer joining Kao's global management board

NEW YORK, Dec. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Japanese Consumer Goods and Cosmetics company Kao has announced changes in the leadership of its global Cosmetics Business. As of January 1, 2023, Mark Johnson, currently Global President Molton Brown is appointed President Cosmetics Business AEMEA, taking on additional responsibility for the Kanebo and E'quipe Businesses in the Americas and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) markets. With his extended responsibilities Mark Johnson is also appointed Executive Officer joining Kao's global management board in the Tokyo Headquarters. In his new role he will report into Yosuke Maezawa who takes over as President, Cosmetics Business Global, from Yoshihiro Murakami who will move into a new role driving Kao's digital expansion as Senior Vice President, DX Strategy, Global.

With this appointment Kao recognizes the significant contributions that Mark Johnson has made to the business since he joined Kao in 2003 as Vice President of Finance and Administration for Molton Brown USA. Mark was promoted to General Manager of the US business in 2012 where he was responsible for the development and implementation of the organization's short- and long-term vision, goals and strategies and was very successful at driving significant top and bottom-line growth, whilst ensuring that regional strategies are clearly aligned with the global vision. He was appointed President, Molton Brown Global in July 2014 and has successfully led the development and implementation of the global brand strategy since then.

With Mark Johnson's appointment, Kao brings its strategic Cosmetics brands under one leadership, recognizing the growth potential for the brands in the AEMEA region. Over the coming months, Mark and the leadership teams will work closely together to define the future vision for the AEMEA Cosmetics Business.

"I feel honored to join Kao's global management team to give an even stronger voice to the AEMEA regions in our global business", says Mark Johnson. "At the same time, I see a lot of opportunities in bringing our strong global cosmetics brands together to further grow our footprint in the market. I am looking forward to working with the Molton Brown, Kanebo and E'quipe leadership teams to shape the future of our amazing cosmetics brands."

With this move all Kao AEMEA business sectors have now full board representation in the company's Tokyo head office. Karen Frank, President Consumer Care Business, AEMEA and Dominic Pratt, President, Kao Salon Division, Global had been appointed Executive Officers earlier this year. These appointments acknowledge the important role of the Kao businesses in the Americas and EMEA regions for the future globalization of the Kao Group while at the same time strengthening the international representation and diversity of the management board. Together with Karen Frank and Dominic Pratt, Mark Johnson will be able to further strengthen the role of the AEMEA Consumer Products Business within the global business operations by giving the regions a strong voice within the Global Management Team and the ability to lead the businesses with faster decision making and greater autonomy. They will also continue to collaborate with Kao's leadership team on international business matters.

About Kao
Kao creates high-value-added products and services that provide care and enrichment for the life of all people and the planet. Through its portfolio of over 20 leading brands such as Attack, Bioré, Goldwell, Jergens, John Frieda, Kanebo, Laurier, Merries, and Molton Brown, Kao is part of the everyday lives of people in Asia, Oceania, North America, and Europe. Combined with its chemical business, which contributes to a wide range of industries, Kao generates about 1,420 billion yen in annual sales. Kao employs about 33,500 people worldwide and has 135 years of history in innovation. Please visit the Kao Group website for updated information.
https://www.kao.com/global/en/

For more information, please contact: Christina Cassera, Tractenberg & Co. I [email protected]

SOURCE Kao USA Inc.