Ouidad announced the appointment of David L. Stern as its new president and CEO. He joins Ouidad from Kao Brands Corporation, where he served as regional executive officer for the mass business and global chief marketing officer and senior vice president of strategy and innovation. In these roles, Stern was responsible for a global brand portfolio that included John Frieda, Jergens, Curél, Bioré, and Ban and Guhl.
Stern has a vast beauty and personal care background, having previously founded Endeavors, Inc., an manufacturing company that brought 11 luxury home and personal care brands and more than 200 products to market. Before that, he worked at Unilever where he held various managerial positions including director of new business development for the home and personal care division in North America and vice president of marketing, managing e-business in the United States, among others.
“We are thrilled to welcome David to our growing team,” says Peter Crowley, operating partner at JH Partners, a private equity firm and the parent company of Ouidad. “He brings with him a wealth of experience and we are looking forward to his leadership and insights.”
Ouidad also announced the appointment of John Hetherington as CFO/COO, effective immediately. He joined Ouidad in September 2013 from Alterna Holding Corp. where he served as CFO. Hetherington was responsible for managing multiple departments, including accounting, financial planning, information technology and human resources.
Hetherington has extensive experience in finance in the hair care industry. Prior to working at Alterna Holding Corp., he served as CFO at Fekkai, LLC (dba Frederic Fekkai & Co.) and vice president of finance at L’Oreal, USA. At Fekkai, LLC he managed the financial and operating departments and oversaw the company’s acquisition by Catterton Partners, a private equity firm, in 2005. Hetherington also played a critical role in growing the company, containing costs with the goal of creating enterprise value.
“As I assume my new position, I am thrilled to have John Hetherington as a key member of the executive management team,” said Stern in his new position as president and CEO of Ouidad. “He has invaluable experience and knowledge in leading key functions like finance and operations, each integral in our strategic efforts to drive the Ouidad brand to the next level.”
