In addition, LEI, founded by Jim Wilmott and Karen Young, has formed exclusive, strategic alliances with several technology centers to bring a “think-tank“ approach to personal care formula and delivery system innovation, toward the goal of creating truly differentiated products. The company believes this formula/delivery system innovation and trend-driven product positioning, coupled with a strategy to provide full production capability, will offer unprecedented speed to market and competitive cost of goods. These capabilities, according to the company's launch press release, are further enhanced by a strategic partnership with Beilis Development.
LEI’s new lab in Readington, New Jersey, houses a product/package library as well as a creative group committed to product innovation and speed to market.
Jim Wilmott has more than 30 years of experience in the creative design, development and manufacture of new products for the personal care industry. He held senior positions with Lever Brothers, Bristol-Myers, Avon, DowBrands, Mary Kay, Collaborative and Chanel. He was most recently senior vice president of R&D and chief technical officer for the Outsourcing Services Group.
Karen Young has held senior positions in marketing, branding and product development at Estée Lauder and Lancôme, and has run her own beauty marketing company, The Young Group, since 1999. She is an adjunct professor for the Fashion Institute of Technology's cosmetic masters program, teaching product development to fast track, young cosmetic executives.