The move brings nearly 1,500 European members to the organization’s ranks. “Beauty is truly a global business and it makes sense for our membership to be international,” says Carlotta Jacobson, president of CEW. International membership in CEW is now approaching 8,000.
Until now the US and European groups operated parallel organizations, focused on advancing the beauty industry and its executive women locally.
Digital community
Members in each country can now bond quickly with their peers using CEW Member Connect, the organization’s social media hub complete with a directory, discussion groups and a mentoring feature.
“All French members are very enthusiastic! Being international and having the opportunity to connect, talk and learn from each other in three major countries of the Beauty industry is a key asset for each of us and our industry,” says CEW France president Françoise Montenay.
The digital hub and international collaboration allows for cross-country dialog, knowledge sharing and much more.
Without borders
Based in New York City, the organization seeks to move the cosmetics industry forward: “CEW’s mission is to create a forum of collaboration, idea exchange and professional development to help its members, and the beauty industry as a whole, take empowered steps towards the future,” according to a recent media release.
Additionally the group makes a point of acknowledging “professional achievement and innovation in the industry to inspire the next generation of leaders.” And given the breadth of the personal care and cosmetics it makes sense to integrate the wisdom and opportunities of each chapter.
“We are thrilled to have the UK and France chapters of CEW take part in all of the great offerings of the founding US organization,” Jacobson says. And, “becoming a global organization will enable us to accelerate CEW’s growth worldwide and all members will reap the benefits.”
Evolution
No word yet on where the organization might expand next. But certainly this step will result in some useful learnings. And a fully global reach will take time.
“We have been working on the global project with the US and French chapter since last June. Now it has become a reality. Our UK members will embrace it,” says CEW UK president, Caroline Neville.
“Beauty is global and this makes the CEW organization even more relevant than ever to its members,” Neville remarked. The global expansion makes sense for an organization at work in an industry that comprises beauty companies that span the globe, like L’Oreal, Shiseido and others.