Unilever-owned Ren Clean Skincare has named Michelle Brett as its new Chief Executive Officer. Michelle replaces Arnaud Meysselle, who has left the business to oversee Jellycat, a plush toy business. Michelle assumed responsibilities January 4. Prior to her new position, Michelle held senior positions at Living Proof, also owned by Unilever, which operates within its Prestige Beauty division.
Michelle will be charged with taking Ren to the next phase of its ambitious and innovative sustainability mission, which was first established in 2018. It was then that Ren challenged itself with several specific goals it would aim to achieve within three years including only producing packaging designed to be recyclable, contain recycled materials or that can be reused. As of December 2021, Ren succeeded in achieving its goals, including recycling 45 tons of plastic by repurposing plastic waste from landfill giving it a second life; saving 16 tons of plastic from entering landfill; and halting single-use sachets. It also became the first beauty partner for Loop – the refillable doorstep solution for household and personal care products. And, Ren led the #WeAreAllies with competitors Biossance, Caudalie, Herbivore, and Youth To The People to tackle the environmental crisis from beauty packaging waste.
“Taking on such bold initiatives when it comes to sustainability requires bravery and tenacity, and I know first-hand that Michelle Brett is a passionate, focused and dedicated leader who will take on the challenge with open arms and an eagerness to succeed. I’m excited for the next stage of Ren’s ambitious zero waste journey and know it is in incredibly safe hands under Michelle’s guidance” said Vasiliki Petrou, Executive Vice President at Unilever Prestige and CEW UK Chairwoman.