The Catalysts: A New Era in the Beauty Business
Never has there been a more exciting time to be in the beauty business — or a more complex one. The landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by innovations in biotechnology, the rise of artificial intelligence, and the swift changes in cultural dynamics. As the macro environment becomes increasingly volatile, beauty brands and professionals face the imperative to adapt and innovate.
The Event: The Catalysts
On November 18, 2023, The Catalysts, a signature event by WWD and Beauty Inc, will take place at Lavan Midtown. This daylong conference aims to delve into the complexities of the beauty industry, bringing together a diverse group of bold founders, top executives, cultural icons, and global experts. The event promises to be a melting pot of ideas and insights, focusing on how industry leaders are navigating the challenges and opportunities of today.
Honoring Excellence: The Beauty Inc Awards
The day will culminate in a reimagined Beauty Inc Awards, celebrating the most innovative figures in the beauty sector. This year, Nicolas Hieronimus, the CEO of L’Oréal Groupe, will be honored with the prestigious 2025 Pete Born Impact Award. He will engage in a fireside conversation with Jenny B. Fine, the editor-in-chief of Beauty Inc, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to hear from one of the industry’s leading voices.
Keynote Speakers and Panels
The theme of The Catalysts is "Innovating Today, Igniting Tomorrow." Keynote speakers include Kourtney Kardashian-Barker and Simon Huck, who will discuss the exponential growth of their ingestible brand, Lemme. Other notable speakers include Barbara Lavernos, deputy CEO of L’Oréal Groupe, Chris Sanderson from The Future Laboratory, and Ekta Chopra, chief digital and innovation officer at E.l.f. Beauty. These leaders will share their insights on how new-generation executives are addressing the dynamics of the beauty landscape.
Multiple panels will provide further insights into the future of beauty. Experts like Joyce de Lemos from Dieux, Polen Kocak from Sick Science, and Alec Batis from Sweet Chemistry will discuss next-gen formulations. Leadership discussions will feature Laney Crowell from Saie, Lauren Edelman from Victoria Beckham Beauty, and Bryan Edwards from Snif. Additionally, investment strategies will be explored by J.P. Morgan’s Fei-Fei Zhang, Kelly Dill from Imaginary Ventures, and Alicia Sontag from Prelude Growth Partners.
Emerging Markets and Technological Innovations
The conference will also spotlight emerging markets and technological advancements. Paul Austin from Austin Advisory Group will present insights into the burgeoning beauty market in India, highlighting the region’s potential for growth. Meanwhile, Alex Shashou of 10Beauty will discuss how robotics is transforming the beauty services sector, showcasing the intersection of technology and beauty.
Celebrating Innovation
The Beauty Inc Awards will honor outstanding achievements in innovation, marketing, and leadership, with 19 awards recognizing the most impactful executives, brands, and retailers in the industry. This celebration of excellence underscores the importance of innovation in a rapidly changing market.
Looking Ahead
As the beauty industry continues to evolve, The Catalysts will serve as a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration. With additional speakers set to be announced, the event promises to be a pivotal moment for beauty professionals eager to stay ahead of the curve. For more information about The Catalysts and the Beauty Inc Awards, visit here.
