Yesterday, Kao Corporation announced several personnel changes aimed at advancing its mid-term plan, “K27.” Kao stated that to ensure the success of the “K27” plan and further accelerate global growth, the company is integrating its business and sales functions into a unified “Global Consumer Care Business,” clarifying regional responsibilities to enable faster decision-making.
Kao Group Customer Marketing Co., Ltd. will serve as the sales promotion department for the Asia region, expanding its scope of activities. Meanwhile, in Europe and the Americas, regional heads will lead efforts in product development, brand promotion, marketing, and sales.
As part of these changes, Kao has appointed Tomoko Uchiyama as President of Global Consumer Care Cosmetics, Vice President of Global Consumer Care for the Americas and EMEA Cosmetics, and President of Kanebo Cosmetics Inc. The former President of Global Consumer Care Cosmetics, Yosuke Maezawa, will retire. Yosuke Maezawa has been with the company since 1986 and has held several senior roles, including President of Kanebo Cosmetics Inc. and E’quipe Ltd., which manages RMK and Suqqu brands.
Additionally, to further maximize cross-business activities, the company will establish a new “Business Liaison” department. This department will focus on strengthening Kao’s professional-use brand operations (Kao Professional Services Co., Ltd.), advancing direct-to-consumer experiential initiatives for the overall Kao brand (My Kao Mall), and leveraging Kao’s technology to accelerate co-creation activities with partners.
According to Kao’s latest financial report, the company’s net sales increased by 5.7% year-on-year, reaching 1.19 trillion yen ($7.79 billion). Sales from the consumer goods business amounted to 921.5 billion yen ($6 billion), a 4.3% increase compared to the previous year.
