Shiseido names new Americas CEO, Japan region CEO

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
May 18, 2021

The Shiseido Company announced on Monday the promotion of Ron Gee to president and CEO of Shiseido Americas, effective July 1. 

He will be responsible for driving Shiseido Americas’ strategic vision, while strengthening the region’s organizational structure, optimizing operations and driving its business objectives.

He will also continue to serve as global M&A leader for Shiseido Group, while leading the portfolio of prestige beauty businesses and will assume global brand holder responsibility for Shiseido’s Americas-based brands including BareMinerals, Buxom, Drunk Elephant, Laura Mercier, Nars Cosmetics and Tory Burch Beauty.

Gee has been serving as Interim CEO since 2020, as well as CFO since 2016. His replacement as CFO has not yet been announced. Gee will continue to report to Uotani.

“During his time as CFO and more recently as Interim CEO of the Americas, Ron has indisputably earned his reputation as a keen business leader, collaborative team builder, skilled problem solver and invaluable partner,” said Uotani. 

“Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, he has shown remarkable leadership in a time of crisis, protecting our business in the region while continuing to drive our ongoing digital transformation. With his leadership, I am confident that Shiseido Americas will achieve even greater success in the market and will continue to contribute boldly to the future of Shiseido Group and our WIN 2023 strategy.”

Gee has nearly 20 years of beauty industry experience and has overseen businesses across all categories, including makeup, skincare, fragrance and haircare, and in all channels, including luxury/prestige, mass market and salon.

Prior to joining Shiseido Americas, he served as CFO of the Americas at Coty, Inc. Earlier in his career, he served in various financial leadership positions at L’Oréal USA, working on brands such as Maybelline, Garnier, Giorgio Armani, Ralph Lauren and Yves Saint Laurent. 

In a separate announcement, the company also announced that as of July 1, Masahiko Uotani, who has served as representative director, chair and CEO of Shiseido Japan, shall assume the title of director and chair of Shiseido Japan Co., Ltd.

Likewise, Norio Tadakawa, who has served as representative director, president and COO of Shiseido Japan, will assume the title of representative director, president and CEO of Shiseido Japan.