China 2020: Market Download, Singles Day Debrief & Trends Going Forward

Julian’s passion is discovering the small patterns that lead to big change across industries -from finance to energy to consumer brands. After getting his start as a macro-trader with an eye for market-shaking trends, he used those talents to build and sell two successful hedge funds (including Pagoda Capital, later acquired by Tudor Capital) as well as an international oil services business (Kuiper International, later acquired by Gulf Capital). In 2013, he was inspired by exciting changes in the beauty space to become angel investor to cosmetics e-tailer Luxola (later sold to LVMH) and to Skin Laundry, the disruptive dermatology business quickly expanding across the US, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Tracking the social commerce phenomenon in China, he founded SuperOrdinaryin Shanghai in 2017 as a laboratory to grow the next generation of innovative consumer brands. He’s proud to lead a team that currently includes over 70 employees from companies such as L’Oreal, Nike, Airbnb, Tencent, Microsoft and Paypal.

Charles Denton was born in Northampton England and educated at Millfield School. In 1987 began his career at a London City institution. Dissatisfied with the world of finance in 1989 he changed direction and joined MOLTON BROWN where he worked for 15 years initially as Sales & Marketing Director before becoming Chief Executive and Deputy Chairman. Following a complete repositioning of the business from a Mayfair based hairdresser into a global luxury lifestyle brand, in 2005 the company was sold to Kao Corporation for £172m. From 2006 until 2011 Charles volunteered at various charitable organizations most notably GREAT ORMOND STREET CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL where he spent three years as Executive Director and a further three years as Chairman of Fundraising. During his tenure, the Charity raised £320m in Capital Redevelopment and Research Funds. He was Trustee of genetic research charity JEANS FOR GENES from 2006 to 2009 and in 2008 he was appointed Trustee and Chairman of the South African Orphan’s charity SENTEBALE established by Prince Harry in memory of his late mother Princess Diana. From 2009 to 2013 Charles led the award-winning advertising agency FOLD7. In 2011, with Private Equity funding, Charles acquired ERNO LASZLO, the First Doctor Founded skin care brand established in 1927. Since taking the helm as CEO and Executive Chairman the company has delivered growth every year despite pivoting the entire model away from US department stores to an international footprint with 70% of revenues derived online and over 60% coming from China. Charles is actively involved in mentoring young entrepreneurs and is often retained as a Senior Adviser on consumer acquisitions by Private Equity firms. He has six children and divides his time between New York, Shanghai, and his home in Italy.

Over 10 years of agency and consulting experience in North American and Asia Pacific markets, specializing in consumer behaviour in the luxury category, and working closely with brands across LVMH, Richemont, Christian Louboutin, Estée Lauder Companies, Laura Mercier, and many more.

Based in Shanghai for more than 5 years, and now based in New York as a Partner, International Client Development at Digital Luxury Group. DLG works with global clients to build their digital presence and activities in the Mainland China market across communications, e-commerce, and CRM.

Meet Valérie Kaminov, A Powerhouse in the Business of Beauty

Valérie Kaminov is Founder and Managing Director of the highly successful IL Brand Consultancy based in London. She is an expert in international distribution and has been directly responsible for driving the global expansion strategy for a host of beauty brands. Known for her ability to make the ‘impossible possible’ Valérie’s extensive expertise, commercial acumen and practical experience are much sought after by brands looking to effectively grow their business around the world.

Over her 25 years in the cosmetics industry, Valérie has honed her skills to become one of the most recognized authorities on developing brand distribution channels and models. Her signature methodology and instinctive understanding of a brand is reflective in her ability to promote both well-established classics and newer brands. Her wealth of knowledge in international growth strategies and business development is combined with a market-appropriate and insightful approach. Valérie also brings in a rare financial intelligence with her advisory services, this helps to ensure the maximum effectiveness and profitability of a brand’s investment.

Valérie ’s expertise in brand evaluation, acquisition due diligence, risk assessment, and commercial growth is also highly valued by Private Equity Funds, multi-national organizations, and financial investors. Her advanced qualifications and her proficiency in corporate governance have made her a much-desired Board Advisor and Non-Executive Director.

With her heritage in France and her location between her London and Paris Offices, Valérie is at the heart of the dynamic and constantly evolving beauty world. Her international perspective is complemented by Valérie’s impressive language skills with fluency in French, English, and Russian along with a strong working ability in Spanish and Italian. Assets much appreciated by her international network of distributors, retailers and industry leaders.

www.ilbc.co.uk

Kelly Kovack is the CEO and Founder of BeautyMatter, a noted beauty authority, brand advisor and strategist. She began her career in beauty as one of the original executive team members at Bliss, taking on the way women bought beauty as the Managing Director of the Bliss Catalog. This venture fundamentally changed the way beauty products were merchandised, distributed and marketed to consumers leading the acquisition of Bliss by LVMH. As Vice President of Marketing for Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare, she was at the forefront of defining the cosmeceutical category. Kelly also founded consultancy group Purpose Built, providing concept to counter solutions and strategic advisement for startups to Fortune 500 brand and everything in between. In addition, she's also built her own brands, most recently award-winning fragrance brand, Odin, which was co-founded in collaboration with the men's fashion brand. Kelly is the “lens” of BeautyMatter providing a fresh voice to the beauty industry with highly curated news and original content.