A defining question in the industry remains: ‘What is beauty’? The answers are complex and far-reaching, going beyond the parameters of makeup and fashion, and entering the realm of culture and history. The recent Newsmaker Forum, presented by Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW), and held June 6, at New York’s Roosevelt Hotel, explored the concept in global and personal terms. It featured speaker, Masahiko Uotani, president and CEO, Shiseido Company, Ltd., who provided perspective on the question with both humor and gravitas.

Jill Scalamandre, chairwoman, CEW, and president, bareMinerals, Buxom, global development Shiseido Makeup, began the discussion noting that the appointment of Masahiko Uotani, as president and CEO, Shiseido, was a profound statement for change. “Mr. Uotani’s breakthrough position has inspired change on a vast scale and he has made a company known for its innovation even more forward thinking,” said Scalamandre.

According to CEW, Shiseido hit its sales goal of $9.45 billion three years ahead of plan, and has achieved a compounded annual growth rate of 9%, while maintaining a significant presence in Japan and Asia.

Mr. Uotani, a Columbia University grad, who joined the company in April 2014, has positioned it as a major global player, while building on the Japanese cultural heritage it cultivated for many years. Read what he thinks “is the wave of the future,” and why he says, “Whatever you dream, that can happen.” — Nancy Jeffries, Correspondent

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