The Wella Company, an innovative global leader in hair, nail, and beauty tech, appointed Krista McDonough Kubida as the company’s Chief Legal Officer, effective June 29, 2026. 

Kubida will serve as a key member of the Wella Leadership Team and will be based in New York City.

Kubida succeeds Kathy Leo, who announced her retirement earlier this year. Leo played an instrumental role in strengthening The Wella Company’s Legal and Compliance foundation and building a high-caliber team. 

Calvin McDonald, Chief Executive Officer, said,

“We are thrilled to welcome Krista to The Wella Company. She brings deep expertise across brand- and product-led consumer companies, a strong commercial mindset, and extensive experience supporting businesses through periods of evolution. Her proven ability to partner with leadership teams and boards while establishing a high-performing legal organization will be invaluable as we build on our momentum and shape the future of beauty together.”

Kubida joins from Capri Holdings Limited, where she served as Chief Legal and Sustainability Officer. During her nearly 15-year tenure, she helped drive significant transactions and company-wide initiatives, while supporting Capri’s global retail, wholesale, and e-commerce expansion. 

Kubida began her career as a corporate, capital markets, and securities attorney at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, where she advised public companies and private equity clients on complex transactions and securities matters.

Kubida joins at an exciting time in the company’s evolution. Over the past five-plus years, The Wella Company has transformed into a global powerhouse of time-tested, complementary hair, nail, and beauty tech brands. 

Its portfolio includes Wella Professionals, OPI, ghd, Sebastian Professional, Nioxin, Clairol, and Wella / Koleston.