L’Oréal Groupe announced on Thursday the retirement of company veteran Carol Hamilton, effective May 1, after a 40-year career within the U.S. division of the French beauty giant.
Carol Hamilton – Courtesy
Hamilton arrived at L’Oréal in 1984, joining the consumer products division as a marketing director for L’Oréal Paris in the U.S. After 24 years of service, the executive went on to become the U.S. brand president in 2000 and then the global brand president. From here, Hamilton transitioned from mass to the world of luxury beauty, taking the helm as U.S. president of L’Oréal Luxe, in 2008.
Under her charge, the U.S. luxe business doubled in size and achieved record profitability, before Hamilton took on the role of group president in 2015, where she was responsible for supporting the global development and acquisitions of American brands in the luxe division such as Kiehl’s, Urban Decay and IT Cosmetics. In 2018, she was appointed U.S. president of acquisitions, before expanding her role in 2020, overseeing the creation of and leadership over L’Oréal USA’s new corporate office.
Opening in June 2022, the newEl Segundo, California-based initiative brought the company’s west coast-based brands all under one roof for the first time.
“Carol Hamilton’s leadership at L’Oréal has been nothing short of transformative. Her strategic vision propelled unprecedented growth for many brands in the portfolio, achieving market leadership across multiple categories. She consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to identify and cultivate emerging opportunities, pioneer business transformation, and drive key brand acquisitions,” said David Greenberg, CEO of L’Oréal USA and President of the North America Zone.
“Beyond her sharp business acumen, Carol’s commitment to mentorship and talent development leaves an enduring legacy of leadership within L’Oréal. We celebrate her remarkable contributions and wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement.”
Hamilton’s retirement comes just days after L’Oréal Groupe announced the appointment of Christina (Tina) Fair as president of the consumer products division (CPD) for the North America zone.
