Kao salon division names global president

Kao Salon Division has announced that Dominic Pratt, formerly Vice President R&D, Skin Care Products Research, will succeed Cory Couts, Global President, Kao Salon Division in his role leading the Goldwell, KMS, Oribe and VARIS brands worldwide. After nine years as president, based in Darmstadt, Germany, Cory will leave the company to return home to the United States. Dominic, who will be taking over the reigns from 1 September 2021, has a longstanding history in Kao Salon Division, including leading the division’s R&D efforts and as a member of the Executive Salon Lead Team for several years. “I would like to thank Kao's leadership team for the trust and support they have given me during my time as president of our Salon Business,” said Cory. “I am especially grateful for the opportunity to work with the people of Kao Salon Division, who are among the most passionate and skilled people in our industry,” he said. “Dominic’s commitment to the salon industry, in-depth knowledge of the needs of stylists and business acumen will serve him well in his new role. He is a trusted leader in our organization and comes to this challenge with a large reserve of goodwill and respect,” he added. Dominic said: “I look forward to continuing to create value and opportunity for our team and our customers with this new challenge. Kao Salon Division and our brands enjoy an enormous amount of trust in the industry and I am committed to building on that trust as core to my mission. I feel privileged to be able to work with such valued customers, dedicated and talented team and renowned brands,” he added. “We would like to thank Cory for his outstanding contribution to our global Salon Business,” said Satoru Tanaka, President Consumer Products, AEMEA, of the news. “During his tenure, Cory has transformed the Salon business by creating clear strategies, strengthening our brands and refining our organization, always focusing on salons first and foremost. With his in-depth understanding of the salon industry, we are convinced that Dominic Pratt is the ideal person to further build the future of Kao's global salon business.”