Jean-Paul Agon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jean-Paul Agon
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Agon in 2014
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| Born | 6 July 1956 Boulogne-Billancourt, France
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| Alma mater | HEC Paris (1978) |
| Occupation | Chairman of L'Oréal |
Jean-Paul Agon, born on July 6, 1956, is a French businessman. He is known for his long career at L'Oréal, a huge international company that makes makeup and beauty products. He used to be the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of L'Oréal and is now the chairman of its board.
In 2021, when he turned 65, he stepped down as CEO because of the company's age limit. Nicolas Hieronimus took over as CEO. Jean-Paul Agon studied at HEC Paris, a famous business school, and finished in 1978.
Contents
Jean-Paul Agon's Career at L'Oréal
Jean-Paul Agon joined L'Oréal in 1978, right after he finished his studies. He spent his entire working life at the company, holding many important sales and marketing jobs around the world.
Starting Out in France and Greece
Agon began as a product manager in France when he was 24 years old. In 1981, he became the General Manager for L'Oréal in Greece. There, he helped build a strong business foundation for the company.
In 1985, he returned to France to lead L'Oréal Paris. He helped launch many successful products during this time.
Leading Brands and Countries
In 1989, Agon became the International Managing Director for Biotherm, another beauty brand. He helped make Biotherm popular around the world.
Later, in 1994, he became the managing director for L'Oréal Germany. He helped the company deal with challenges in European markets. In 1997, he was given the big job of setting up and leading L'Oréal's business in Asia. He opened new offices in many countries and hired talented local people.
Becoming CEO and Chairman
In 2001, Jean-Paul Agon became the President of L'Oréal USA. He helped launch popular product lines there.
In 2006, Agon was chosen to be the CEO of L'Oréal. He then became the chairman of the company in February 2011. As CEO, he believed in making beauty products available to everyone, everywhere. He started opening new L'Oréal factories outside of France, in places like Mexico, Egypt, and Indonesia.
Agon also cared a lot about protecting the environment. He worked to reduce the company's carbon dioxide emissions, water use, and waste by half between 2005 and 2015. Under his leadership, L'Oréal was often listed as one of the most sustainable companies in the world.
Jean-Paul Agon was the fifth CEO of the L'Oréal Group. During his time as CEO, L'Oréal bought several other companies, including Essie Cosmetics and Urban Decay.
Agon's Vision for L'Oréal
During his time as CEO, Agon had a clear idea for L'Oréal: "beauty for all." He wanted to expand the company into developing countries. His goal was to reach one billion new customers by 2020.
Agon also strongly believed in corporate social responsibility. This means companies should act in ways that benefit society and the environment. He often said that "the leader in beauty must be exemplary in terms of the environment." L'Oréal promised to cut its carbon dioxide emissions, water use, and waste by half within ten years.
Agon stated that being responsible to society is just as important as making a profit. This was shown when L'Oréal announced a big plan for sustainability in 2013.
Other Activities
Jean-Paul Agon is also involved with other organizations.
Company Boards
- Air Liquide, a large company that makes industrial gases. He is a member of their Board of Directors.
Non-profit Organizations
- Consumer Goods Forum (CFF), a global network for consumer goods companies. He is a member of their Board of Directors.
- European Round Table of Industrialists (ERT), a group of leading European business people. He is a member.
- Institut français des relations internationales (Ifri), a French research center for international relations. He is a member of their Board of Directors.
Awards and Recognition
- 2005: Named "HEC Alumni of the Year" by his former business school.
- 2009: Received the "Pace Leadership in Ethics Award 2008" from the Ethics Resource Center in New York.
- 2011: Awarded the International Human Relations Award by AJC in New York.
See also
In Spanish: Jean-Paul Agon para niños
