PZ Cussons names Michelle Feeny head of new beauty division

Following its £62.5m acquisition of St Tropez in September last year, PZ Cussons has formed a new beauty division that includes the self-tanning brand as well as The Sanctuary spa products and Charles Worthington hair care.

The premium beauty brands portfolio will be headed up by Michelle Feeney, currently ceo of St Tropez, who will report to Alex Kanellis, group chief executive of PZ Cussons.

Feeney will be supported by company managing directors Ann Murray (UK) and Selma Terzic (international), who have served in roles for Sanctuary and St Tropez respectively.

PZ Cussons Beauty will commence full operations from 1 June 2011 and will be headquartered in Covent Garden, London. The new set-up will see the PZ Cussons Group split into two autonomous divisions – PZ Cussons Beauty and PZ Cussons UK. The latter division will comprise the group’s core washing and bathing portfolio that includes Imperial Leather, Original Source and Carex.

Commenting on the strategic move, Kanellis said: “Given the similarities and synergies which already exist between St Tropez, The Sanctuary and Charles Worthington, the creation of the beauty division was the logical next step in ensuring that we realise the full potential of these three outstanding beauty brands and maximise their presence both in the UK and internationally.”

In her 25 years in the beauty business, Feeney spent 11 years at Estée Lauder before joining St Tropez in 2006.

Kanellis added he is confident that Feeney’s experience will give the new division drive and creative know-how to grow PZ Cussons premium brands in the UK and overseas.

Speaking about her new role, Feeney said: “I am thrilled to be taking on such an exciting role and I believe there is a significant opportunity for all three brands to grow both in the UK and internationally.

“It is a unique position – we are creating a new division, headquartered in London with a core stable of British brands. The role enables me to utilise my global experience and brand building skills to take these much loved UK ranges to new markets around the world.”

Around the time of the acquisition, Feeney had said potential targets for growth would include emerging markets.