The Fragrance Foundation is recognising L’Oréal’s CEO Nicolas Hieronimus with its 2023 Hall of Fame Award.
Hieronimus is the sixth CEO in L’Oréal’s 113-year history and has been a leading figure in the fragrance industry for more than a decade.
In his earlier role as President of the L’Oréal Luxe Division, Hieronimus oversaw launches including Lancôme’s La Vie Est Belle, Yves Saint Laurent’s Black Opium and Libre, and Si by Armani.
With Hieronimus as CEO, L’Oréal’s fragrance offer has pivoted more towards sustainability with Lancôme La Vie Est Belle and Prada Paradoxe, for example, available in refill.
Tech advancements, meanwhile, include the 2021 debut of Yves Saint Laurent’s Scent-Sation, which uses an EEG-measuring headset to help consumers search for fragrance by analysing their emotional response to different scents.
“We look forward to honouring Nicolas Hieronimus for his leadership, vision and exemplary results in the fragrance category in the USA and globally,” said Linda G Levy, President of The Fragrance Foundation.
She added that Hieronimus “shares our values of environmental sustainability and diversity, equity and inclusion”.
“On behalf of the L’Oréal Group, I am very honoured to receive the prestigious Hall of Fame Award from The Fragrance Foundation, which is a recognition of the passion, dedication and fine fragrance know-how of our teams,” added Hieronimus.
“Fragrance plays an enormously important role in fostering individual wellbeing and contributing positively to society and culture.
“Over the centuries, perfume has had the power to stimulate our senses, our memories, and our emotions.
“And we are seeing today that fragrance is more relevant than ever because it helps us connect with ourselves and with others.”
Hieronimus took over the reins at the world’s biggest beauty company in May 2021, following long-term boss Jean-Paul Agon’s retirement from the role.
The 2023 Fragrance Foundation Awards will take place 15 June at the David H Koch Theater in New York City.
