From Consumers to CEOs: Women are Revolutionizing the Beauty Industry’s Boys’ Club

You’re going to want to sit down for this. Only 39% of women hold board and executive positions in the beauty industry—despite catering predominantly to women.

According to a report by LedBetter, which tracks gender disparities in major companies, the beauty sector ranks highest for female representation in leadership roles, with apparel and retail following in second and third. Yet, that figure remains only 39% in an industry where women make up 69% of the workforce.

This number was shocking to me when I first heard it—not just because I’m part of a female-led beauty brand. I immediately wanted to learn more about who occupies the beauty boardrooms, trying to distinguish between business and genuine brand passion.

Linda Treska, founder of the beauty brand Pinch of Colour, shares her thoughts on a male-dominated industry that primarily serves women: "Women do have an advantage. We use the products every day. We are the consumers."

This interview, along with many discussions about business in the beauty industry, highlights a significant issue: the lack of female representation in C-suite roles—not only in beauty but across all sectors. Despite catering predominantly to women, there is a striking scarcity of female decision-makers in this thriving industry.

While established companies with deep pockets still dominate, an increasing number of women-led brands are thriving. As a 2024 reader, several names likely come to mind—from the iconic female-led American brand Glossier to Selena Gomez’s philanthropic Rare Beauty, as well as various celebrity lines—women are making their mark everywhere.

Change is also occurring on a larger industry scale. In 2018, Revlon appointed Debra Perelman as CEO, making her the first woman to lead the company in its 86-year history.

“In the beauty industry, it makes perfect sense for product users to be represented on the board,” said Stephanie Sonnabend, co-founder and chair of 2020 Women on Boards, one of the organizations that urged Coty to diversify. She noted studies showing that companies with more diverse boards tend to achieve greater success—particularly in financial performance and decision-making, which can help attract top talent and create a competitive edge. “Diverse boards make better decisions,” Sonnabend added.

As women continue to make their mark on the boys' club, the multi-billion dollar beauty industry continues to grow, demonstrating that inclusion and diverse perspectives are both valued and successful.