PARIS – Richard Pinabel is Armani beauty’s new global brand president.
The executive, with 25 years of beauty experience, succeeds Véronique Gautier in the role. As previously reported, she has left the brand after having led it for 13 years.
“I sincerely thank Véronique for her tremendous contribution,” Cyril Chapuy, president of L’Oréal Luxe, the licensee of Armani beauty, said in a statement. “Her leadership skills and profound understanding of the luxury industry have been truly invaluable for the success of Armani beauty.”
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Gautier worked closely with Giorgio Armani to introduce products such as Sì, the fragrance that has long been fronted by Cate Blanchett, and reinforced Armani’s masculine scent franchises Acqua di Giò and Code.
The executive further broadened Armani beauty’s makeup footprint and steered the brand’s strong international growth in Asia, Europe and the U.S., spurring the overall business to grow threefold under her tenure.
“I am fully confident that Richard Pinabel will be able to preserve and nurture the fantastic heritage and the incredible achievements of the brand, taking Giorgio Armani’s vision for beauty to new heights,” Chapuy added.
Pinabel’s career has included global and market roles. His career began at Armani beauty, focused on fragrances, followed by him spearheading the well-received launch of Flowerbomb, by Viktor & Rolf, in the U.S. beginning in 2006.
His next jobs included marketing director of Ralph Lauren, followed by the general management of Viktor & Rolf, Maison Margiela, Stella McCartney, Boucheron and Zegna in 2008.
The executive moved to Asia in 2012, when he became general manager of YSL Japan, then global president of Shu Uemura. Back in Europe, Pinabel took up the position of global deputy general manager for Lancôme in 2020.
The Armani appointment brings him full circle.
“Armani beauty is the representation of a sophisticated and timeless elegance, a major player in the beauty industry,” Pinabel commented. “I approach this opportunity with great humility and passion. I am eager to accompany the brand towards future successes under the visionary guidance of Giorgio Armani.”
