In a significant development, Gregg Renfrew, the visionary founder of Beautycounter, is making a triumphant return to the brand she established in 2013. Effective February 1st, Renfrew will officially resume the role of Chief Executive Officer, marking a pivotal moment for the renowned clean beauty brand.
Beautycounter, founded by Renfrew in 2013, quickly emerged as a trailblazer in the clean beauty movement. Renfrew’s dedication to safety and transparency led to the creation of a brand that abstained from using harmful ingredients. Under her leadership, Beautycounter not only became an icon in the clean beauty sector in the United States but also played a vital role in influencing industry-wide safety standards and transparency initiatives.
In 2021, Renfrew decided to sell the brand, and a deal was struck with the Carlyle Group, a U.S. capital-investment group, valuing Beautycounter at USD 1 billion. Despite initially planning to continue as CEO, Renfrew stepped down in 2022, with Marc Rey assuming the role. The Carlyle Group aimed to expand Beautycounter’s footprint through an omnichannel approach, including a partnership with Ulta Beauty.
However, changes followed as Rey departed in 2023, and Mindy Mackenzie took over as Interim CEO. Now, in a strategic move, Carlyle has brought Renfrew back as CEO, while Mackenzie remains a key member of the Board of Directors.
Renfrew expressed her enthusiasm for the future, stating, “Beautycounter’s greatest opportunities are ahead of us. Consumers demand transparency, health, safety, innovation, and community engagement. I am energized to build on our disruptive history, creating a movement for change and setting a higher industry standard.”
As Renfrew reassumes her role, she envisions a future for Beautycounter that goes beyond the conventional, aiming to elevate the company and the industry as a whole. With familiar faces returning to the team, Renfrew is set to lead Beautycounter into a new era of excellence and impact.