Kering names former ELC exec Raffaella Cornaggia CEO as it pivots into beauty

By Julia Wray | Published: 3-Feb-2023

The creation of Kering Beauté will enable Kering to support Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga and Alexander McQueen in the beauty arena, among other brands

Kering has appointed beauty industry veteran Raffaella Cornaggia as CEO of its nascent Kering Beauté business.

Cornaggia most recently served as International Senior Vice President and General Manager of Estée Lauder and Aerin at the Estée Lauder Companies (ELC).

In her new role, she will help develop the beauty category for the Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, Pomellato and Qeelin brands.

According to Kering, Kering Beauté’s creation will enable the luxury goods group to support the mentioned brands in developing within the beauty category, said to be ‘a natural extension of their universe’.

Based in Paris, Cornaggia will report to Jean-François Palus, Group Managing Director of Kering, and will become a member of the group’s Executive Committee.

Cornaggia has more than 25 years’ experience in the beauty world, having begun her career at L’Oréal, before joining Chanel Parfums Beauté.

The Italian national joined ELC in 2008 to lead the marketing for Estée Lauder and Tom Ford Beauty.

In 2017, she spearheaded the development of the Travel Retail business worldwide for Estée Lauder and Aerin.

“I am delighted to welcome Raffaella Cornaggia, who brings us considerable experience in a segment that we see as strategically important for our houses,” commented Palus.

“We are building this new area of expertise within our group to ensure that our brands can fulfil their potential in this category.”

Kering has built a legacy in the fashion, leather goods and jewellery spheres, with brands including Gucci, Saint Laurent and Alexander McQueen.

Gucci’s beauty and fragrances are licensed to Coty, while YSL Beauté is owned by L’Oréal.

You may also like