Nicolas Hieronimus

Nicolas Hieronimus (born January 3, 1964, in Paris) is the Chief Executive Officer of L’Oréal Group, the world’s largest beauty company. Taking the helm on May 1, 2021, he became only the sixth CEO in the company’s 100-year history, succeeding Jean-Paul Agon. Hieronimus is celebrated for his innovative product vision, sustained growth delivery, and commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

Early Life and Education

Hieronimus’s father was a television producer, and his mother an engineer in the aerospace industry. He graduated from ESSEC Business School in 1985 with a degree in marketing, a foundation that would underpin his entire professional path.

Career at L’Oréal

Joining L’Oréal in 1987 as a product manager for Garnier, Hieronimus spent his career developing and launching brands and categories across the globe. Notable roles and achievements:

• As Marketing Director at Garnier in the 1990s, he successfully created and launched the Fructis haircare and Movida hair color ranges.
• In 1998, he became General Manager, Garnier Maybelline UK, where he introduced Fructis and launched Maybelline in the British market.
• As International Managing Director of L’Oréal Paris, he developed Dermo-Expertise skincare and Men Expert (men’s grooming).
• In 2005, appointed General Manager of L’Oréal Mexico.
• 2008: Became General Manager, Professional Products Division, where he launched the iconic ammonia-free Inoa hair color.
• 2011–2018: As President of L’Oréal Luxe, he elevated the brand’s prestige, oversaw acquisitions (Urban Decay, IT Cosmetics, Atelier Cologne), and launched fragrances like Lancôme’s La Vie Est Belle and Armani’s Sì.
• 2013: Became President of Selective Divisions (Luxury, Active Cosmetics, Professional Products).
• 2017: Named Deputy CEO in charge of all Divisions.
• 2021: Became CEO and Board member.

Leadership and Achievements at L’Oréal

• Growth and Global Expansion: Under Hieronimus, L’Oréal’s global market share surpassed 14% as the company extended its footprint in North America, Europe, and emerging markets.
• Sustainability and ESG: He embedded sustainability at the core of L’Oréal’s mission, driving refillability, responsible sourcing, and ranking in the top 5 of the FTSE Diversity & Inclusion Index 2024.
• Beauty Tech and Innovation: Led digital and AI transformation, including the NVIDIA partnership and rollout of advanced skin diagnostics.
• Acquisitions: Orchestrated major beauty brand acquisitions and led the 2023 deal for Australian luxury brand Aēsop.
• Global Recognition: In 2023, Hieronimus was inducted into the Fragrance Foundation Hall of Fame for his industry-shaping vision.

Recent News and Developments

• In 2024, L’Oréal continued to deliver record profits and strong global sales: €32.40 billion sales for the first 9 months (+6% like-for-like), led by fragrances, skincare, and haircare.
• Hieronimus steered the company through international supply chain disruption, a tariff dispute between the US and EU, and soft demand in China—offset by robust performance in Europe and North America, and ongoing expansion in emerging markets.
• L’Oréal was recognized as “Europe’s most innovative company” and ranked #1 worldwide for gender equality and diversity in numerous indices.
• Led L’Oréal’s investment in AI, digital research, and the expansion of greener product lines.

Leadership and Style

Hieronimus is known for his “demanding empathy” leadership style, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and global ambition. He places high value on talent, creative teamwork, and long-term sustainability.

Milestones & Achievements

Nicolas Hieronimus’s visionary leadership has sustained L’Oréal’s dominance, blending beauty, technology, sustainability, and talent to shape the future of global beauty.