New North American President for Ahava

The Dead Sea mineral-based skin care brand Ahava announced its board of directors has appointed Beth Ann Catalano as president of Ahava North America. Catalano's appointment becomes effective January 1, 2014.

Catalano formerly served as senior vice president of sales, administration and education at Steiner Leisure Corporation, where she oversaw the Bliss, Elemis and Remede portfolios; reorganizing the brand's retail, wholesale and third-party spa divisions; and consistently achieving profit and revenue expectations. Prior to this post, she co-founded the successful hair care start-up Jonathan Product, which saw significant retail sales and won industry awards by executing a strategy that utilized reality TV, namely Bravo's "Blow Out," to market the brand. Her extensive industry experience also includes positions at Shiseido, LVMH , Unilever and Lancôme. Catalano is replacing Elana Drell-Szyfer, who recently joined the ranks at Kenneth Cole Productions Inc.

Arie Kohen, chairman of bhe Board of Ahava Dead Sea Laboratories, commented, "We are very happy to welcome Ms. Catalano to the Ahava family. Her entrepreneurial background and big beauty company experience are exactly what the U.S. market needs to continue on its growth trajectory. Ms. Catalano has a true understanding of both sales and marketing; we know she will use this knowledge and her relationships to expand Ahava's reach."

Catalano also commented on Ahava and her new role, saying, "Ahava has made tremendous strides in the U.S. market—both consumers and retailers alike are taking notice of Ahava because there is a real appreciation for unique, authentic brand stories. I am very excited to be leading the business and look forward to building the business into a true powerhouse."

Catalano serves on GCI magazine's advisory board and is committed to The Bobby Buecker Memorial Foundation, a philanthropic organization which supports families with children who have cancer. Over the course of her career, Catalano has made appearances as a guest speaker, lecturer and contributing editor for outlets such as ABC, Bloomberg, Fox News and MSNBC. She also appeared as a cast member of the Bravo show "Blow Out."

 

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