New President & CEO of Shiseido Europe Region

Shiseido announced the appointment of Louis Desazars as President & CEO of Shiseido Europe Region (Europe, Africa and Middle East) effective September 1st, 2015. Desazars has also been appointed as President & CEO of Beauté Prestige International S.A. (BPI), the designer fragrance company of Shiseido Group, effective the same date. Barbara Calcagni, Senior Vice President, Global Marketing of NARS, who has led the brand’s marketing efforts worldwide since 2008, will succeed Desazars as President of NARS Cosmetics.

Last December, Shiseido announced its mid-to-long term strategy, “VISION 2020”, under which a regional headquarters system is to be introduced in six regions, including Europe. Under this system, the Company will practice a «Think Global, Act Local» strategy focused on cultivating each brand based on region- and market-specific needs, while also accelerating decision making and production development in each region.

In his new role as the President and CEO of the European region, Desazars will spearhead an overall future vision and strategy for Shiseido in Europe, with the goals of achieving substantial brand growth in Shiseido’s prestige franchises and other areas where the Company competes and developing new markets in Africa and the Middle East. Desazars will report to Masahiko Uotani, President & CEO of Shiseido Co., Ltd., and will relocate to Paris.

Concurrently, in his new role as President & CEO of Beauté Prestige International, Desazars will oversee the global strategy of the designer fragrance portfolio. His focus will be on continuing to expand and develop the business and brands under the BPI umbrella, across all regions.

Masahiko Uotani, President & CEO of Shiseido Co., Ltd. stated, “Since becoming President and CEO of NARS in 2008, Louis has grown the business to be one of the leading global brands in the prestige makeup cosmetics category. Louis is a visionary leader with the ability to build and expand a business to a higher level, to guide and develop his colleagues and teammates, and to deliver superior sales and profits. Given Louis’ exceptional track record, I am completely confident that he will bring strong leadership and guidance to our European operations and BPI business.”

Louis Desazars said, “I am excited to take on these new roles and help develop and execute Shiseido’s strategic roadmap for the European region and build BPI’s global designer fragrance business. The past seven years have been an extraordinary experience. It’s been an honor working with a creative visionary such as François Nars as well as the incredibly passionate and talented NARS team. The brand’s continued success is a testament to their dedication, hard work and audacious spirit that drives innovation in every aspect of the business. I am so proud to have been part of this chapter in NARS’ history and confident that the brand will have a bright future under Barbara’s leadership.”

Shiseido was founded in 1872 as the first Western-style pharmacy in Japan. The business gradually evolved into a cosmetics company, offering people the most advanced technology and the finest aesthetics available in the East or the West. Now known globally as the premier cosmetics company with roots in Japan, the name Shiseido has come to represent the world’s highest standards of quality.

Shiseido’s global selection of skincare, makeup and fragrance includes a high-performance category for special skincare, and a brightening line. Shiseido also offers body care, suncare and a skincare line for men.