Evelyn Maria Couzijn, a former senior sales executive at La Prairie, Chanel and L’Oréal, died Sunday after a long battle with ALS. She was 68 years old.
Couzijn’s career spanned four decades. Most recently, she was senior vice president of sales at La Prairie before retiring in July 2021. Prior to that she was senior vice president of sales for fragrance and beauté at Chanel. She was vice president of field sales for the Luxe division of L’Oréal US, working on the fragrance and Lancôme businesses during her career there. Couzijn began her career as an account executive at the Estée Lauder Cos. on the Prescriptives brand.
“Evelyn was a true force in the beauty industry, bringing her signature style, blending passion and excellence, into everything she touched,” said Joyce Green, managing director of Chanel France. “She dedicated herself wholeheartedly to her teams and led with strength and grace. She exemplified the very best of our industry, one that has the power to bring beauty and confidence to the world. Her legacy will continue to inspire all who knew her.”
“I worked with Evelyn for almost 25 years across multiple brands — we grew up in the business together,” said Kate Oldham, former senior vice president and general merchandise manager for fragrance and cosmetics at Saks Fifth Avenue. “From our earliest collaborations, she truly understood both the brand and what worked at Saks. She thought beyond the here and now, always building for the long run. Working with her was rewarding professionally and personally.
“Evelyn wasn’t afraid to say the difficult things, bringing courage to both her outlook and actions. She took bold risks when she believed in them and wanted — and truly was — a partner,” continued Oldham. “That may be an overused expression, but with Evelyn, it was the truth. Funny, dedicated, and passionate, she made every collaboration enjoyable.”
Couzijn was born in Yokohama, Japan, to Dutch parents. She spent her early years in Japan before coming of age in Hawaii, and later traveled and studied in France. Former colleagues cited her exceptional work ethic, and a reputation for delivering results with integrity and grace.
Couzijn was regarded by many as a cherished mentor who had a gift for guiding people without diminishing them. She is survived by her husband, Lorenzo Antonius Esposito; their four sons Christophe, Stefan, Lorenz, and Nicolaas; her daughter-in-law Lindsay Esposito, and two grandsons . She is also survived by her three siblings Leonard Couzijn, Corinne Zajac, and Dennis Couzijn, and a large extended family.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to ALS United Connecticut, an organization dedicated to supporting those living with ALS and their families in Connecticut.
