R. Alexandra Keith joined the company in the late 90’s as the team manager of product supply. Over the years, she has held multiple product supply roles, brand management roles, leadership roles in beauty brand management and design, and a couple of VP roles in fabric care. Currently she is finishing out her work as P&G’s president of global skin and personal care.
New beauty
It was less than one year ago that P&G and Coty finalized the deal that moved 41 cosmetics and personal care brands from P&G to Coty. The transaction catapulted Coty into the top 5 and left P&G with a much leaner beauty business.
There are fewer than 20 beauty brands at P&G today. But those remaining are strong legacy brands like Olay, Pantene, Gillette, Head & Shoulders, and Ivory.
The plan now is for “P&G [to move] forward as a more specialized personal care and home products company,” as Cosmetics Design reported last October. “The completion of this transaction is a key step in our journey to return P&G results to a balance of strong top-line growth, bottom-line growth and cash generation,” P&G CEO David Taylor remarked in a media release confirming the completion of the Coty deal.
Experienced management
Keith’s long track record with P&G means she has a robust company and industry network to leverage as she steps up to lead the beauty business.
Commenting for the press, Taylor says, “Alex comes into the role with a history of strong business results, outstanding beauty know-how, and a deep understanding of the industry and markets.”
Other shifts
As Keith takes over beauty, a few other leadership changes are lined up at P&G. Markus Strobel will be promoted from vice president and brand franchise leader of SK-II to president of global skin and personal care. And Jon Moeller, the company’s current chief financial officer will now also be vice chairman.