After a remarkable 13-year tenure as the global president of Armani Beauty within the L’Oréal Group, Véronique Gautier has officially bid adieu to the iconic Italian label’s beauty division. In an emotional LinkedIn post, Gautier announced her departure and expressed gratitude to her ‘compagnons de route’ and mentors who accompanied her throughout this transformative journey.
Commencing her business career in 1984 at Chanel’s beauty division, Gautier’s professional trajectory has been marked by significant contributions to renowned brands. Notably, she worked with the Catalan group Puig on Paco Rabanne fragrances, held a key role in fragrance marketing at Cartier, and served at Hermès from 2000 to 2008. At Hermès, she initially assumed the role of CEO of fragrances and later took charge of leather goods. In 2008, she transitioned to become the president of Jean Paul Gaultier, a position she held until 2010 when she joined L’Oréal.
Her association with L’Oréal included a pivotal role as the global president of Armani Beauty, a position she held since 2010. The collaboration between L’Oréal and Armani was solidified in 2018 with the renewal of their licensing agreement, extending it until 2050. Armani Beauty, situated within L’Oréal’s luxury division, encompasses a wide array of products, including perfumes, skincare, and makeup. Notably, it stands as one of L’Oréal’s billion-euro licenses, underlining its substantial impact in the beauty industry. In her farewell message, Gautier took a moment to express gratitude to Giorgio Armani, with whom she collaborated closely for several years. Beyond her role at Armani Beauty, Gautier has decided to embark on a new venture, founding her own consulting firm. As she concludes her remarkable 40-year journey in the beauty industry, Gautier leaves behind a legacy marked by innovation, dedication, and a profound impact on the luxury beauty landscape.