Artemis Patrick is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Sephora North America, a position she assumed in April 2024, setting a historic precedent as the first woman to hold this role. As the leader of the largest prestige beauty omni-retailer in the region, which posted record-breaking sales in North America in 2023, Patrick is widely regarded as a transformative brand builder and industry innovator.
Early Life, Education, and Career Beginnings
Born in Iran in the early 1970s, Patrick and her family fled to the United States during the turmoil of the Iranian Revolution in 1979. Her father, a pilot for the Shah, faced imminent danger, and after relocating, Patrick’s mother became trapped in Iran. By age ten, Patrick had entered the U.S. foster care system, where she credits her foster parents for guiding her to higher education and resilience.
Patrick graduated from UC Santa Cruz. She began her retail career at DFS Group Limited, a luxury retailer for travelers.
Career at Sephora
Patrick joined Sephora in 2006 as Director of E-Commerce Merchandising, quickly advancing to VP of E-Commerce Merchandising by 2008. By 2012, she was appointed VP and SVP, GM of Sephora inside JCPenney, where she modernized retail partnerships and product assortments. In 2017, Patrick became SVP Merchandising and by 2020 was named Global Chief Merchandising Officer, steering Sephora’s strategies in product innovation and market expansion for three years.
Leadership Style and Impact
Known as “the brand whisperer,” Patrick has been pivotal in championing inclusive foundation shades, clean beauty, and indie brand partnerships, including collaborations with Kohl’s, and driving omni-channel leadership. She oversaw the launch of Sephora’s #TrueBeauty campaign and led the acclaimed “We Belong to Something Beautiful” initiative. Her leadership emphasizes listening, innovation, and risk-taking—a philosophy rooted in her own childhood experiences.
Recent Achievements and Developments
- First Female CEO of Sephora North America — assumed CEO role in April 2024.
- Named the recipient of the Parsons Table Award at the 76th annual Parsons Benefit in May 2025.
- Launched 2025 Beauty Insider birthday gifts featuring top brands.
- Expanded Kohl’s partnership and advanced omni-retail strategies.
- Appointed to the Board of Directors of Levi Strauss & Co. in January 2025.
- Led record-breaking sales and industry awards in 2024–2025.
Table: Milestones and Achievements
| Year | Milestone / Achievement | Role / Impact | Place |
| 1979 | Emigrated from Iran during the Revolution | Resilience / Adaptability | Iran → USA |
| 1993 | Economics Degree, UC Santa Cruz | Graduate / Early Inspiration | California, USA |
| 2006 | Joined Sephora as Director, E-Commerce Merchandising | Entry into Beauty Retail | USA |
| 2008 | VP, E-Commerce Merchandising | Digital Expansion | USA |
| 2012–2015 | SVP & GM, Sephora inside JCPenney | Retail Partnerships | USA |
| 2017 | SVP Merchandising | Omni-channel Leadership | USA |
| 2020 | Global Chief Merchandising Officer | Product Strategy / Global Impact | USA |
| 2023 | President, Sephora North America | Division Leadership | USA/Canada |
| 2024 | CEO, Sephora North America | First Female CEO | USA/Canada |
| 2025 | Parsons Table Award, Board Member Levi Strauss | Industry Recognition | New York, USA |
Artemis Patrick’s story—from refugee childhood to industry trailblazer—inspires inclusive, innovative leadership. As CEO, she continues to advance Sephora North America’s position as a premier beauty retailer, championing diversity, omni-channel innovation, and community-driven impact at every turn.
