Amid a sales decline in its Americas business, Ron Gee has resigned as Chief Executive Officer of Shiseido Americas and global M&A leader. The Japanese conglomerate appointed Alberto Noé Interim CEO, Shiseido Americas in addition to his current responsibilities as CEO, Shiseido EMEA. Additionally, leadership of the Global M&A Team of Shiseido Americas will transfer Kentaro Fujiwara under Noé  direct oversight.Gee served as Shiseido Americas’ Chief Financial Officer in 2016, becoming Interim CEO of Shiseido Americas in August 2020 upon the resignation of Marc Rey and assumed the top job in July 2021. During his tenure, he oversaw the acquisition of DDG Skincare and was close to acquiring OSEA, but the deal did not happen. In February, the Japanese beauty conglomerate reported its full-year profit slumped by 73%, partly due to a drop in consumer spending in key overseas markets like China. Operating profit came in at 7.58 billion yen ($49.9 million) in the 12 months ended December 31, 2024, compared with 28.13 billion yen ($197.1 million) the prior year. Things in North America have also been tough. Shiseido Americas like-for-like net sales fell 7% in 2024. Drunk Elephant, which Shiseido acquired for $845 million in 2019, saw sales drop 60% in Q4 2024, driving a FY2024 decline of 25%, struggling to maintain relevance in the highly competitive skincare category.The skincare label saw a sales plunge of over 60% in the Americas in the fourth quarter of last year, bringing the brand’s total 2024 decrease for the region to over 30%. NARS, Shiseido, and fragrances experienced growth, and Dr.