Interview with Jon Mills, MD of Eurocosmetics (UK subsidiary of Sothys)

Jon Mills is the managing director of Eurocosmetics Ltd -- UK subsidiary of global French skincare brand Sothys, a multi-specialist, natural ingredient-based product and treatment range, exclusively distributed through salons and spas. more...

How did you get into the beauty industry? I spent 10 years developing health clubs and small businesses. In 1998 my CV just happened to be with a UK recruitment agency that just happened to have an office in Paris. Sothys rang them, they rang me – the rest, as they say, is history. What is your greatest business achievement? Turning Eurocosmetics around. However, there is still plenty to achieve and much to do here. What has been the most satisfying/rewarding moment of your career? Taking a business that’s not performing how it should and setting it on the right road towards greater things – which I’ve been lucky enough to do on a few occasions. What is the best business/career advice you have received? Value everyone, as everyone has something to offer. Three things you couldn’t do your job without? A sense of belonging; a sense of loyalty and support; and a sense of humour. Best/worst bits of your job? Best is meeting some of the super people in the industry. Worst, the accountability for so many things/factors, which can be a little stressful at times. Future business ambitions? To continue to grow the brand’s position within the UK market – preferably in a three-day week! Imagine you are at the start of your career, what would you change? Very little – I have learnt something from every opportunity I’ve been given, and value every one of those experiences with equal measure. Would you do it all again? I might amend a couple of decisions here and there, but hindsight’s a wonderful thing and the world wouldn’t be as much fun probably, if we had the benefit of it!