Coty has announced the retirement of OPI Founder and CEO George Schaeffer – a beauty industry legend. Schaeffer will continue to work with OPI’s management team through a newly created role as OPI’s strategic board advisor.

Since founding OPI in 1981, Schaeffer has built one of the beauty industry’s most iconic and successful nail care brands. With a portfolio of over 400 creatively-named unique shades, OPI has for the past three decades linked fashion and entertainment with color cosmetics. Thanks to Schaeffer’s leadership, today OPI is the leading professional nail care brand in the world.

After more than 30 years of unprecedented success leading OPI, Schaeffer, who is well known for his philanthropy, will focus on The Schaeffer Family Foundation and multiple charities that support health related causes and children’s education.

Michele Scannavini, CEO, Coty Inc., commented:

“George puts his heart into everything that he does: the OPI business, the professional nail care industry and his philanthropy…I would like to thank George for his commitment over the years and wish him continued success in the future.”

Renato Semerari, president, Coty Beauty, added:

“George is a visionary leader and entrepreneur…I am very thankful for his leadership in making OPI such an iconic brand and for his help in making OPI become an integral part of the Coty family. I’m extremely pleased that he will remain involved in OPI’s future.”

“The OPI Brand is my baby, which I have loved and nurtured for many years, and will continue to do so,” said Schaeffer. “I look forward to working together with Mary and Suzi and expanding OPI’s presence worldwide.”

Photo: Facebook / OPI Founder & CEO George Schaeffer (far right), with OPI International Spokesperson Joey Brown (far left), for the debut the new San Francisco Collection by OPI at Peninsula Beauty in San Francisco.