After 10 years as the global president of Kiehl’s, Cheryl Vitali has been appointed to the newly created position of global president of L’Oréal’s portfolio of American luxury brands – Urban Decay, It Cosmetics, Clarisonic and Kiehl’s.
 
Under Vitali’s leadership, Kiehl’s evolved from a small, indie skincare brand in the US to a larger global brand, where it now ranks among the top five across key markets including Asia, Europe and North America, according to the company.
 
“Cheryl’s legacy on Kiehl’s, the business and the teams is simply remarkable, and her impact as a leader and innovator of a distinct ‘indie brand’ philosophy has been major,” shared Cyril Chapuy, global president, L’Oréal Luxe. “In the name of the Division, I want to sincerely thank and congratulate Cheryl.”
 
Experience
 
As Kiehl’s global president, Vitali oversaw the brand’s global strategy, product innovation, creative, retail, digital, communications and marketing out of its headquarters in New York’s West Village neighborhood.
 
Since joining L’Oréal in 2003, Vitali has overseen the marketing efforts at Lancôme, Maybelline, and Garnier. She is recognized for her keen understanding of the varied skincare and beauty needs of the evolving global beauty customer.
 
In 2008, Vitali was awarded the Cosmetic Executive Women Achievers Award, a distinction that honors women in the beauty industry who have broken through barriers to success and inspire young executives to do the same.
 
Vitali’s primary charitable focus is her work with Autism Speaks, where she has been on the board since 2017. She is also a board member of the G-III Apparel Group Ltd. and in 2018, Vitali was honored as “Woman of the Year” by the organization Womankind for her efforts in advocating for women.
 
Vitali’s Successor
 
Succeeding Vitali as global president is Leonardo Chavez. A seasoned L’Oréal executive with 20 years of experience within the group, Chavez has held a variety of strategic assignments across the company’s luxury, consumer and professional product divisions.
  
Chavez joined the L’Oréal group in 2000 where he served in various roles at the Maybelline and Lancôme cosmetics brands, before being appointed head of Global Marketing for Maybelline New York in 2007. Under his leadership, the brand expanded internationally and strengthened its position as a well-rounded, multi-category makeup brand.
  
“I’ve been a beauty fanatic for as long as I can remember and when it comes down to skincare I have admired Kiehl’s and its rich heritage ever since I first set foot in our Flagship store in the East Village,” shared Chavez. “It’s a dream come true for me to join the Kiehl’s family as Global President, and I’m excited to continue the growth and unique storytelling of this beautiful brand.”