Kao appoints us and european members to its global management team

Chemical and cosmetics company Kao has expanded international representation by appointing US and European members to its Global Management Team. Kao has announced two appointments to its Global Management Team - Karen Frank, president, Consumer Care, AEMEA, and Dominic Pratt, president, Salon, Global have been appointed executive officers effective January 1st, 2022. With these appointments, the leading Japanese consumer goods manufacturer is recognising the important role of the Americas and EMEA businesses for the future of the Kao Group. The Japanese brand's products are used by over 20 leading brands such as Attack, Bioré, Goldwell, Jergens, John Frieda, Kanebo, Laurier, Merries, and Molton Brown - alongside their chemical portfolio. In addition, Kao announces that its consumer-facing business in the Americas and EMEA regions with leading brands such as John Frieda and Jergens will now operate as Kao Consumer Care Business AEMEA. The renaming is a reflection of the future plans of the business to serve more consumers with a broader portfolio of brands beyond its current beauty focus. By expanding their scope, the company are taking the next step for their internationally growing brand. With their new roles, Karen Frank and Dominic Pratt will be able to further strengthen the role of the AEMEA Consumer Products Business within the global business operations - by giving the regions a strong voice within the Global Management Team. This decision will aid the ability to lead the businesses with faster decision making and greater autonomy. They will also be able to consult the leadership team in the company ́s Tokyo Headquarters on international business matters. After joining Kao in 2009, Karen Frank has had multiple roles within the business, currently managing the role of President, Kao USA too. Looking forward to this new chapter, Karen said:“I feel honoured to join Kao's global management team as the first Western female executive officer. Becoming a more international and diverse leadership team will enable Kao ́s business growth in the future and I am committed to supporting the company on this important journey." Dominic Pratt has been with the Kao since 2000, starting his career as a Senior Scientist mainly working in hair colour development, specifically the innovative Rainbow Technology, used in Goldwell Pure Pigments and other products. Since 2019 he has led the Skin Care Research group in Kao ́s Tokyo headquarters before he was appointed president Global Salon in September 2021. “Listening to the Genba, the local markets has always been a core principle at Kao. Together with Karen, I want to ensure that the Americas and EMEA markets get a stronger voice in our global operations while driving our businesses with more agility and faster decision making”, comments Dominic Pratt.