Carol Hamilton, whose visionary leadership helped shape L'Oréal USA over four decades, will step down from her role on May 1, 2025, the company announced today.
"Carol Hamilton's leadership at L'Oréal has been nothing short of transformative. Her strategic vision propelled unprecedented growth for many brands in the portfolio, achieving market leadership across multiple categories. She consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to identify and cultivate emerging opportunities, pioneer business transformation, and drive key brand acquisitions," said David Greenberg, CEO of L'Oréal USA and President of the North America Zone.
"Beyond her sharp business acumen, Carol's commitment to mentorship and talent development leaves an enduring legacy of leadership within L'Oréal. We celebrate her remarkable contributions and wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement."
Hamilton's journey began in 1984 when she joined as marketing director for L'Oréal Paris within the consumer products division. In 2000, she was appointed U.S. brand president and eventually ascended to global brand president of what would become the beauty industry's largest brand.
Her impact deepened in 2008 when she took leadership of L'Oréal Luxe. During her eight-year stewardship, she achieved unprecedented growth, doubling the division's size and setting new profitability records. In 2015, Hamilton transitioned to Group President, where she was responsible for supporting the global development and acquisitions of American brands in the Luxe Division, such as Kiehl's, Urban Decay, and IT Cosmetics. She was appointed U.S. President of Acquisitions in 2018.
Alongside her acquisition role, Hamilton's final chapter at L'Oréal included overseeing the creation of the company's expansive West Coast headquarters—a 120,000-square-foot office spanning 25 acres in El Segundo, California. Opened in June 2022, it brought the company's West Coast-based brands under one roof for the first time.
A passionate advocate for women's empowerment and social causes, Hamilton pioneered cause marketing at L'Oréal through initiatives like the L'Oréal Paris Women of Worth program. Her dedication to making a difference is evident in her long-standing support of organizations like UNICEF and the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.
Hamilton further advanced gender equality by creating the Women in Power course for L'Oréal USA executives in 2013, partnering with the Harvard Kennedy School's Women's Leadership Board. Her influence in this sphere grew when she was elected Board Chair in 2018, a position she held for four years before transitioning to her current active board role.
BeautyMatter recognized Hamilton as the NEXT Person of the Year in 2023. In an interview published around that time, Hamilton said that her varied interests and pursuits have contributed to her career longevity. “To have longevity in a career you need oxygen and to recognize when you need to take a break and hear and see something—totally use your mind in a different way,” she said.
