Pascal Houdayer, the CEO of Orveon Global, the parent company of beauty brands BareMinerals, Laura Mercier, and Buxom, has reportedly left his position after less than two years in charge. According to sources close to the company, Houdayer’s departure was due to disagreements with the board of directors over the strategic direction of Orveon, which was created in 2021 after Advent International acquired the three brands from Shiseido for $700 million.
Houdayer, a former executive at Henkel and Procter & Gamble, had a bold vision for Orveon, which he described as a “sustainable face care expert” that aimed to blur the lines between skin care and makeup. He also wanted to expand the company’s global presence, especially in Asia, where he saw a strong demand for premium beauty products. Under his leadership, Orveon launched several sustainability initiatives, such as reducing packaging waste, increasing the use of recycled and biodegradable materials, and supporting social and environmental causes.
However, sources say that Houdayer faced resistance from some of the board members, who were more focused on short-term profitability and cost-cutting measures. They also questioned Houdayer’s investments in innovation and digital transformation, which they considered too risky and expensive. Some of the board members also had different views on how to manage the three brands, which have distinct identities and target audiences.
The news of Houdayer’s departure has sent shockwaves across the beauty industry, as Orveon is one of the leading players in the sustainable beauty segment, which is expected to grow by 8% annually between 2022 and 2027. Many industry experts and influencers have expressed their admiration for Houdayer’s vision and achievements, and their concern for the future of Orveon and its brands.
Jo Chidley, the founder of Beauty Kitchen UK, a sustainable beauty brand that offers refillable and reusable packaging, said that Houdayer was “a pioneer and a visionary” who understood the importance of sustainability for the beauty industry and the consumers. She said that Houdayer’s departure was “a huge loss” for Orveon and the sustainable beauty movement, and hoped that his successor would continue his legacy.
Alex Lorestani, Ph.D., the co-founder and CEO of Geltor, a biotech company that produces animal-free collagen for beauty products, said that Houdayer was “an inspiration and a mentor” who supported Geltor’s partnership with Orveon. He said that Houdayer was “a leader who dared to challenge the status quo and embrace innovation” and that his departure was “a setback” for Orveon and the beauty industry.
Agne Baneviciute, the marketing manager of Stephenson Group UK, a manufacturer of sustainable soap bases and personal care ingredients, said that Houdayer was “a trailblazer and a collaborator” who worked with Stephenson Group to develop new formulations and products for Orveon’s brands. She said that Houdayer was “a champion of sustainability and quality” and that his departure was “a disappointment” for Orveon and the beauty market.
The impact of Houdayer’s departure on Orveon’s performance and reputation remains to be seen, as the company has not yet announced his replacement or its future plans. However, it is clear that Houdayer’s departure has created a gap in the sustainable beauty industry, which is facing increasing competition and consumer expectations. As the demand for sustainable beauty products continues to rise, Orveon will have to find a way to maintain its edge and relevance in the market, or risk losing its loyal customers and potential growth opportunities.
