Ron Gee has resigned as chief executive officer, Shiseido Americas and global M&A leader, the company announced Tuesday. Alberto Noe has been appointed interim CEO, Americas in addition to his current responsibilities as CEO, EMEA.
A chemical engineer by training who started his career at Kraft Foods, Gee pivoted to finance, adding an MBA to his skillset, before moving to beauty. He took the top job at Shiseido Americas in July 2021, having previously served as Shiseido Americas’ chief financial officer since 2016.
During his tenure, he oversaw the acquisition of DDG Skincare Holdings, the owner of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare. WWD also reported that it was at one point close to purchasing skin care brand Osea, but this did not materialize.
Its parent company has been struggling, with Shiseido’s 2024 operating profit tanking 73.1 percent year-on-year, as China’s economic growth continued to decelerate and the country’s duty-free retail market Hainan Island faced ongoing challenges.
