Cosmetics ingredients supplier Presperse appoints new CEO

US cosmetic ingredients supplier Presperse and its parent company Sumitomo have made key appointments to support the latter’s global cosmetic business.

Presperse’s commercial operations executive vice-president Paulo Rodrigues will succeed current president and CEO Koh Akiyama, who will move back to Tokyo, Japan, to lead Sumitomo’s Global Cosmetics Group as deputy general manager in the medical science department from 1 April.

Akiyama brings global personal care knowledge and management experience to his new position in Sumitomo.

As Presperse president and CEO, he has also expanded the business into several new regions and achieved revenue growth.

Akiyama said: “Paulo has demonstrated exceptional commercial leadership since joining Presperse and has positioned the business for sustained growth through innovation and operational excellence. He has gained the respect of the employees, shareholders, and our business partners. I am looking forward to continuing to work with Paulo to grow Sumitomo’s global cosmetics business.“

Rodrigues joined Presperse in July 2015 as director of sales and has implemented many projects that delivered both top and bottom line growth.

He had recently monitored all commercial operations for Presperse, including marketing, R&D, supply chain, and sales.  He previously served in senior leadership roles in personal care with firms such as Givaudan, Cognis, DSM and BASF.

Rodrigues said: “I am honoured that the Presperse board of directors chose me to follow in the footsteps of Mr Akiyama and I am humbled to work with such an amazingly talented team.

“Delighting our customers as an innovation partner and delivering operational excellence will be the focus for continued future growth; combined with the backing of Sumitomo and its network, I see tremendous potential for our business in the future, and look forward to leading our team toward greater opportunities.”

Sumitomo acquired Presperse in 2010 as part of its strategy to expand in the cosmetic and personal care market.