Yesterday, Chanel announced that Anne Kirby, president of Chanel Fragrance and Beauty, will retire at year-end. Kirby has been with the luxury house for 35 years.
Under her leadership, Chanel’s Fragrance and Beauty business has achieved strong performance, reinforcing a culture of creation and innovation through product development and global distribution. “All of these activities have strengthened Chanel’s brand equity and built further desirability among new and existing customers,” Chanel said in a statement. Recently, she has overseen building Chanel’s authority in the fragrance market and driven creative potential in makeup through the innovative Comètes Collective.
Kirby’s strong innovation strategy, bolstered by expert research, has resulted in significant global growth for the brand’s skin care. Additionally, she has successfully driven large-scale business transformation, contributing to Chanel’s sustainability ambitions and developing their people and commitment to innovation.
Kirby has held her current position since September 2018, after commanding top roles at Eres and Bourjois. Her successor will be announced in due course, according to Chanel.
In May, Chanel global CEO Leena Nair addressed the high-profile executive departures last year, including John Galantic, president and COO of Chanel Inc. since 2006, and regional leaders for Japan, Asia Pacific, the U.K., Canada, and Latin America. Nair stated that these changes are part of a long-term succession plan set in motion with her arrival in 2021.
“Leadership changes and retirements are a part of the natural cycle of business. At Chanel, we are very privileged and lucky to have accomplished leaders who forged long careers,” Nair said. She emphasized that these changes have been thoughtfully prepared and planned, reflecting Chanel’s commitment to nurturing a new generation of talent.
Chanel reported record revenues of $19.7 billion for 2023. Fragrance & Beauty experienced very strong growth across all categories, particularly Makeup, driven by the continued return of travel retail and sustained growth from local clientele.
