There’s about to be another changing of the guard at Glossier.
After three years at its helm, chief executive officer Kyle Leahy will depart the brand at year-end.
“Over three years ago, Emily [Weiss] and I shared exciting news about Glossier’s next chapter, and I was honored to step into my role as CEO of the company she built,” Leahy said in a company-wide note to Glossier staffers Tuesday, which was obtained by WWD.
“Today, we have reached a new chapter defined by scale, profitability and brand strength,” Leahy wrote. “With that foundation in place, the board and I believe this is the right moment to bring in the next CEO to lead this new phase of growth.”
The executive joined Glossier as its first chief commercial officer in 2021 before taking the reins from founder Emily Weiss in May 2022. She will continue to serve in her role on Glossier’s board of directors through the transition.
It’s understood that Weiss, meanwhile, will remain in her role as executive chairwoman, and will not step into the CEO role.
“I am so grateful for Kyle’s leadership and stewardship of Glossier over these past three-plus years,” Weiss said in a statement. “She deeply understands how unique and special this brand is, and was exactly the right person to serve as our CEO as we looked to evolve our business model for sustainability and profitability, and scale our brand. Glossier was always built to be more than just one person — more than me, more than Kyle — and I am excited to partner with her to find our next leader.”
Under Leahy’s watch, Glossier launched at Sephora in February 2023, marking an about-turn from its prior DTC strategy and adopting a more traditional retail playbook.
This month, Glossier will launch in Sephora’s business in France, following earlier expansions to the U.K., the Middle East and Mexico with the retailer.
Prior to the partnership with Sephora, sources had told WWD and Beauty Inc that sales — and buzz — had slowed. Glossier laid off nearly 200 retail employees during the pandemic and eliminated another two dozen roles last year. In October 2023 after the Sephora launch, industry sources estimated that overall sales were around $275 million.
Leahy has also overseen the expansion of Glossier’s fragrance business, which has become its fastest-growing category. In October, the brand launched Impressions of Glossier You — a duo of extensions on Glossier You called You Doux and You Rêve — in its full distribution for $78 each.
In June, it got in on the body mist boom, debuting a body lotion, body wash and body spritz in its preexisting deodorant scent, called Sandstone, as well a body spritz in a fragrance named Orange Blossom Neroli.
Leahy said that fragrance now generates more than $100 million in sales, making it Glossier’s largest category.
Kirsten Green, founder and partner at Forerunner Ventures, one of Glossier’s backers, said: “Kyle has led the company through a pivotal phase — scaling the business with clarity, creativity and a deep commitment to its values and customers. Thanks to her leadership, Glossier is stronger, more resonant, and more ambitious than ever. The foundation is set for continued growth and cultural relevance, and I can’t wait to see where the team takes it next.”