L’Oréal names first chief innovation and prospective officer

She will oversee L’Oréal’s innovation teams.

L’Oréal has appointed Delphine Viguier Hovasses as its first chief innovation and prospective officer, effective 1 July 2025.

She will join the group’s executive committee and report to Barbara Lavernos, deputy CEO in charge of research, innovation and technology.

In this newly created role, Hovasses will oversee L’Oréal’s innovation teams and the Strategic Prospective Department. The position is designed to strengthen the company’s leadership in beauty innovation and align future-forward strategies across technology, science, and product development.

Hovasses joined L’Oréal in 1997 as an engineer and has built a strong career marked by leadership, marketing expertise, and a focus on innovation.

In 2019, she became the first woman to lead L’Oréal Paris globally. Under her leadership, the brand launched major products like Elsève Glycolic Gloss and Panorama Mascara and reinforced its position as the world’s top beauty brand.

She also led major brand initiatives such as "Le Défilé" at Paris Fashion Week and the Cannes Film Festival presence. She championed the brand’s Stand-Up program against street harassment, which has trained nearly 3 million people globally.