UK-based Sephora is bringing back its Chief Brand Officer, Steve Lesnard, to take charge of the brand for a second time. The 21-year veteran will oversee the company’s global strategy and operations for all luxury retail brands.
Previously executive vice president of Global eCommerce and Global Image at Calvin Klein and Purple, Lesnard returns to Sephora with $1.1 billion in annual sales. Sephora is the first of the company’s brands to be under his charge, and he will report directly to Sephora’s CCO, Mary Phillips.
The change is significant considering that Sephora has been in a bit of limbo since its parent company, LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), announced it would spin off its companies except for Sephora. LVMH will continue to own Sephora, but all other former LVMH brands, including Sephora’s parent, Tommy Hilfiger, are set to be sold by the end of 2014.
Sephora UK Managing Director Emma Coyne said in a statement that the company is “delighted to welcome Steve back as he has an incredible track record of delivering on strategy and driving growth opportunities. He’s a fantastic addition to the team, and I look forward to working with him in the future.”
Lesnard said he is “thrilled to be returning to Sephora, a brand I previously worked with, and am looking forward to leading its US growth plan.” Sephora has yet to respond to inquiries on the company’s plans for growth and how Lesnard will promote the future of Sephora.