Harry Styles, the British singer known for his eclectic style and successful solo career post-One Direction, and owner of Pleasing, has appointed its first Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Shaun Kearney. This appointment marks a significant milestone in the growth of Pleasing, which was launched by Styles as a venture to extend his unique aesthetic into the realms of skincare and nail polish.
Shaun Kearney, who will officially take over as CEO on July 17, 2023, brings with him a wealth of experience from his previous role as chief design and merchandising officer at Gwyneth Paltrow's lifestyle brand. Kearney's appointment comes at a time when male public figures are increasingly engaging in discussions about personal care and launching their own beauty product lines. Despite the relatively limited presence of cosmetic options for men, Pleasing has successfully captivated the interest of youthful consumers through its delightful assortment of nail polishes and various other products.
The CEO role, which originated in Australia in 1914 and became popular in America in 1972, is typically elected by a company's board and shareholders. The CEO is responsible for making high-level decisions and implementing the goals, targets, and strategic objectives as determined by the board of directors. Kearney's tasks at Pleasing will include diversifying its product offering, introducing new categories, expanding its creative and collaborative community, and developing strategic partnerships to grow its universe.
Pleasing serves as an expansion of Styles's realm, granting consumers a sense of being closer to his world. Unlike other celebrity-endorsed beauty brands where the stars play a more visible role in product creation and promotion, Styles has chosen to remain behind the scenes. He entrusts his brand to co-creative directors Harry Lambert and Molly Hawkins. In September 2022, Pleasing introduced an exciting collaboration with Brazilian fashion designer Marco Ribeiro, coinciding with his inaugural Spring/Summer 2023 showcase at Paris Fashion Week.
The retail industry, which is forecasted to grow between 4% and 6% over 2022 to between $5.13 trillion and $5.23 trillion in 2023, is witnessing a shift in consumer behavior. Appointment shopping, where customers book an available time slot to shop in person, is becoming increasingly popular. As Pleasing continues to grow under Kearney's leadership, it will be interesting to see how the brand adapts to these changing retail trends.