Wella Company has appointed Calvin McDonald as its chief executive, a move that signals a new chapter for the brand.
McDonald brings substantial experience, having spearheaded Sephora’s North American segment for five years and previously working with Canadian retailer Loblaw. He steps into the role following the resignation of Annie Young-Scrivner in January 2025.
His track record at Lululemon stands out, where he implemented strategies that tripled sales, pushing them past the $10 billion mark. However, his departure in January 2026 followed challenges within Lululemon’s US business, compounded by critical remarks from founder Chip Wilson regarding leadership effectiveness.
Wella Company emerged in 2020 after the private equity firm KKR acquired Wella Professionals, Clairol, OPI, and GHD. Recently, Reuters reported that KKR was preparing for an initial public offering for Wella Company, aiming for a valuation significantly exceeding the $4.3 billion it initially paid.
Glenn Murphy, serving as executive chair and interim leader, praised McDonald’s extensive background in the consumer brand landscape. He emphasized that McDonald’s proven capability in driving success through innovative product offerings, strategic category growth, and smart financial choices will position Wella favorably in the fast-evolving beauty market.
