LG H&H names former L’Oréal executive Lee Sun-joo as new CEO

LG H&H said it appointed Lee Sun-joo, a former senior executive at L’Oréal, as its new CEO effective Oct. 1, following a board decision on Monday.

Lee will be officially confirmed as CEO at an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting and board session scheduled for Nov. 10.

Lee, a veteran with more than 30 years of experience in both global and Korean cosmetics markets, is recognized as a marketing strategist and business leader who has helped grow major beauty brands including Kiehl’s, Yves Saint Laurent, Mediheal, and AHC.

She began her career in corporate communications at L’Oréal Korea before serving as general manager for the Korean offshoot of Yves Saint Laurent and Kiehl’s, both brands under L’Oréal. Under her leadership, Kiehl’s Korea became the second-largest market by global sales after the U.S.

She later advanced to senior vice president of international business development for Kiehl’s, doubling its global revenue and making it the second-largest brand in L’Oréal’s luxury division after Lancôme.

Lee also held leadership roles outside L’Oréal, including as head of global strategy and U.S. operations at L&P Cosmetic, where she oversaw the entry of its Mediheal mask brand into the American market.

Most recently, she served as CEO of Carver Korea, a Unilever subsidiary, where she helped strengthen the competitiveness and brand identity of AHC.

LG H&H said the appointment reflects the company’s strategy to bring in a proven leader with global experience and sharp marketing instincts to accelerate growth in its cosmetics business.

“As a former L’Oréal executive with diverse brand marketing and business expertise, Lee is well positioned to step up the competitiveness of our cosmetics business,” the company said.

Outgoing CEO Lee Jung-ae decided to step down ahead of the regular executive reshuffle, the company added, noting she wanted to give LG H&H an opportunity to prepare for its next phase of growth under new leadership.

Despite difficult market conditions and rapidly changing consumer trends, Lee Jung-ae had pushed forward with brand portfolio restructuring and global business rebalancing during her tenure.

The board said it respected her decision and accepted her resignation, while expressing hope that the leadership transition would reinvigorate the organization and help the company overcome current challenges.