Stila Cosmetics has appointed ex-Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) executive, Daniel Annese (pictured), as CEO.
He succeeds Michelle Kluz, who has been at the helm of the heritage make-up brand since 2022.
Kluz has left Stila Cosmetics to take up the mantle of Global CEO for Australian health and wellbeing solutions company, DBG Health.
Annese is tasked with leading the next phase of growth at Stila Cosmetics, as the legacy company continues to try and reclaim its "place” as a major player in the colour category.
His appointment will help “advance [Stila Cosmetics’] long-term strategic initiatives across product, marketing and global distribution channels”, read a company statement.
Commenting on his appointment, Annese said: "Stila [Cosmetics] is a remarkable brand with a powerful heritage inspired by innovation, creativity and artistry.
Have you launched an innovative product, brand or campaign in the past 12 months? Then you could be in with a chance of winning at this year's new and improved Pure Beauty Awards 2026. Click here for more information.
"I am honoured to step into this role and build on the momentum already in place as we continue to evolve the brand, accelerate innovation and expand our global reach."
Annese is a beauty veteran, with 26 years (1994 to 2020) leadership experience at industry giant ELC, holding roles such as Executive Strategic Advisor – Newly Acquired Brands to Global Brand President.
During his stint at the company he worked across a portfolio of leading brands, including Estée Lauder, Tom Ford Beauty and Too Faced Cosmetics.
In these roles, he partnered closely with brand teams, retailers, distributors and suppliers to drive strategic growth, strengthen operational alignment and deepen global consumer engagement.
Annese also worked at Unilever from 1986 to 1991 as Senior Product Manager.
Stila Cosmetics eyeliners
Kluz posted about her departure from Stila Cosmetics on LinkedIn, stating that “leaving a job you love is hard”.
Her post continued: “After leading the iconic heritage brand, Stila Cosmetics, for going on four years, I made the difficult decision to move on, but my job was to reinvigorate the brand, and much of that work has borne fruit.
“I am so proud of our revival, with 16 straight months of comp growth; improved financial and operational metrics (on almost every front); increased rank in key categories in Circana (hello to a more than 200%-plus increase in pencil eyeliners); thoughtful expansion; and a renewed relevance with consumers and retailers.
“Stila is, once again, that girl.
“But what I am most proud of is not our results, but that every single Stila team member knew exactly how what they do contributes to success, owned their areas, and drove results alongside retail and distribution partners who aligned and steered us back to growth, too.
“It truly takes a village, and Stila’s village is a special one, indeed.”
Related content:
- Stila’s revival strategy is starting to work, but can the legacy brand be cool again?
- Estée Lauder Companies to cut up to 3,000 more jobs in ‘pivotal’ year for turnaround
- Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Marc Chaya steps down as CEO and President
- Sol de Janeiro promotes Jordan Saxemard to CEO
- This is what Coty Interim CEO Markus Strobel earns
- Puig CEO gives update on Estée Lauder Companies merger ‘situation’