Pinabel Succeeds Véronique Gautier
Armani Beauty has appointed Richard Pinabel as its new Global Brand President. Pinabel succeeds Véronique Gautier, who led the brand for 13 years. Cyril Chapuy, president of L’Oréal Luxe, the licensee of Armani Beauty, expressed gratitude to Gautier for her significant contributions, stating, “Her leadership skills and profound understanding of the luxury industry have been truly invaluable for the success of Armani Beauty.”
During Gautier’s tenure, she collaborated closely with Giorgio Armani, introducing iconic products such as the fragrance Sì, famously fronted by Cate Blanchett. She also played a key role in strengthening Armani’s masculine scent franchises, Acqua di Giò and Code. Under her leadership, Armani Beauty experienced substantial international growth in Asia, Europe, and the U.S., resulting in a threefold increase in overall business.
Cyril Chapuy expressed confidence in Richard Pinabel’s ability to uphold and build upon the brand’s achievements, stating, “I am fully confident that Richard Pinabel will be able to preserve and nurture the fantastic heritage and the incredible achievements of the brand, taking Giorgio Armani’s vision for beauty to new heights.”
Richard Pinabel, with 25 years of beauty experience, began his career at Armani Beauty, focusing on fragrances. He later led the successful launch of Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf in the U.S. in 2006. Pinabel’s diverse career includes roles such as marketing director of Ralph Lauren and general management positions at Viktor & Rolf, Maison Margiela, Stella McCartney, Boucheron, and Zegna.
In 2012, Pinabel moved to Asia, serving as the general manager of YSL Japan and later as the global president of Shu Uemura. Upon returning to Europe in 2020, he assumed the role of global deputy general manager for Lancôme.
Expressing his excitement about the opportunity, Richard Pinabel stated, “Armani Beauty is the representation of sophisticated and timeless elegance, a major player in the beauty industry. I approach this opportunity with great humility and passion. I am eager to accompany the brand towards future successes under the visionary guidance of Giorgio Armani.”