Kao Group Appoints Chief Marketing Officer for Molton Brown

Molton Brown has a new Chief Marketing Officer. 

Kao, Molton Brown’s parent company, has named Laura Hogan Chief Marketing Officer of the brand after close to nine years with The Estée Lauder Companies.

In her new role, Laura will lead Molton Brown’s global brand vision, positioning and integrated marketing strategy in order to help strengthen the brand’s presence across international markets, supporting its continued growth. 

According to Kao, her role will also involve overseeing teams across brand and product development, visual merchandising, store design, digital marketing and creative services. 

“It’s a privilege to be joining such an iconic British brand, with its distinctive heritage, exceptional craftsmanship and truly global ambition,” Laura shared on LinkedIn. 

“I’m excited to work with the brilliant team at Molton Brown and Kao to build on the brand’s strong foundations and help shape its next chapter of international growth.” 

Driving growth in beauty marketing 

Laura joins Molton Brown after nine years at The Estée Lauder Companies, where she held a range of senior marketing and brand leadership roles across several luxury beauty brands – including Michael Kors Beauty, Too Faced, Tom Ford Beauty and Jo Malone. 

Most recently, she was the Brand General Manager UK and Ireland across the Le Labo, Kilian Paris and Frédéric Malle brands, where she helped drive growth and distribution expansion. 

In her roles with Jo Malone London, Laura was a key stakeholder in the brand’s Tom Hardy ambassador campaign, which played a significant role in helping revitalise the brand’s presence in the men’s fragrance market and which gained international recognition.

“Laura is an exceptional brand leader with a proven track record of driving growth for leading prestige beauty brands,” says Mark Johnson, President of Molton Brown Global. “She brings a powerful combination of strategic vision, commercial acumen and creative excellence, alongside deep experience in building brands across international markets. 

“As we continue to invest in Molton Brown's long-term growth, Laura will play a key role in further strengthening our global brand presence, expanding our reach across luxury audiences and building on the distinctive heritage and craftsmanship that define our brand.”

One of six strategic focus brands

Laura’s appointment follows Kao’s increased investment in Molton Brown, which sits alongside Curél and SENSAI as one of six strategic focus brands that are driving the company’s global cosmetics growth strategy.

Announced in September 2025, the growth strategy focuses on combining scientifically proven benefits with emotional and sensory appeal while creating a group of distinctive brand identities. 

According to Kao, its cosmetics business is targeting net sales of ¥400bn (US$2.544bn) and an operating margin of 15% at the earliest feasible timing after 2030. 

“Our Cosmetics Business has the flexibility to respond to changing times and market dynamics with a diverse portfolio of brands,” Tomoko Uchiyama, Executive Officer and President of Global Consumer Care in Kao’s Cosmetics Business, said of the strategy.

“By combining this agility with the broad and solid foundation of the Kao Group, we will serve as a pioneer within the company in advancing globalisation and accumulating expertise. 

“To that end, we will pursue a strategy centered on the six brands, aiming to establish a strong earnings base by 2027 through both growth initiatives and structural reforms. 

“Building on this foundation, we will target sustainable growth beyond, striving to achieve ‘Global Sharp Top’ with a brand portfolio that blends scientific evidence with sensorial beauty.”

Who are Kao’s key partners? 

• Accenture: Accenture and Kao have partnered extensively to lead corporate transparency and risk management in environmental sustainability.
• Microsoft: The partnership between Microsoft and Kao Group centres heavily on digital transformation, using Microsoft’s low-code and cloud solutions to modernise the company’s manufacturing and internal operations.
• Beiersdorf: Established in 1971, this joint venture combines Beiersdorf’s global skincare technologies with Kao's local consumer research, climate insights and distribution networks to manufacture and market products tailored specifically for the Japanese market.
• Lion Corporation: Kao Corporation and Lion Corporation partner on sustainable plastic recycling and smart logistics initiatives to build a circular economy for consumer goods packaging.