PARIS – Richard Pinabel is Armani beauty’s recent global brand president.

The chief, with 25 years of beauty experience, succeeds Véronique Gautier within the role. As previously reported, she has left the brand after having led it for 13 years.

“I sincerely thank Véronique for her tremendous contribution,” Cyril Chapuy, president of L’Oréal Luxe, the licensee of Armani beauty, said in a press release. “Her leadership skills and profound understanding of the posh industry have been truly invaluable for the success of Armani beauty.” 

Gautier worked closely with Giorgio Armani to introduce products reminiscent of Sì, the fragrance that has long been fronted by Cate Blanchett, and reinforced Armani’s masculine scent franchises Acqua di Giò and Code.

The chief further broadened Armani beauty’s makeup footprint and steered the brand’s strong international growth in Asia, Europe and the U.S., spurring the general business to grow threefold under her tenure.

“I’m fully confident that Richard Pinabel will have the ability to preserve and nurture the implausible heritage and the incredible achievements of the brand, taking Giorgio Armani’s vision for beauty to recent heights,” Chapuy added.

Pinabel’s profession has included global and market roles. His profession began at Armani beauty, focused on fragrances, followed by him spearheading the well-received launch of Flowerbomb, by Viktor & Rolf, within the U.S. starting in 2006.

His next jobs included marketing director of Ralph Lauren, followed by the overall management of Viktor & Rolf, Maison Margiela, Stella McCartney, Boucheron and Zegna in 2008.

The chief moved to Asia in 2012, when he became general manager of YSL Japan, then global president of Shu Uemura. Back in Europe, Pinabel took up the position of worldwide deputy general manager for Lancôme in 2020.

The Armani appointment brings him full circle.

“Armani beauty is the representation of a complicated and timeless elegance, a significant player in the sweetness industry,” Pinabel commented. “I approach this chance with great humility and fervour. I’m desirous to accompany the brand towards future successes under the visionary guidance of Giorgio Armani.”