The award was given to mark Agon’s contribution to the industry, and specifically to L’Oréal, which has remained on top of its game and continues to increase its global footprint, despite tough economic conditions.
Agon received the award at a ceremony held in New York City on December 10th, with acknowledgments given to the fact that he has spent his entire career at the company, an unusual accomplishment in an era where executives often jump between different companies to progress their careers.
Agility key to success
"I accept this distinction with great joy and share it with the entire L'Oreal family," said Agon in an official statement to acknowledge the award.
"More than ever before, my responsibility as CEO is not only to be the 'pathfinder', but to make sure we are agile and nimble enough to transform as quickly as necessary. In this fascinating world, speed of transformation is the name of the game."
The Women’s Wear Daily awards are amongst the most coveted in the industry, and recognize both the personal achievements of some of the industry’s leading executives, as well as some of the most innovative and impactful product launches.
Jill Scalamandre gets marketer of the year
Another of the industry’s leading executives to win recognition was Jill Scalamandre, Coty chief marketing officer and senior vice president for the Philosophy brand.
Scalamandre was brought into breathe new life into the Philosophy brand, and by scaling back on the bath and body care categories and rebranding, she brought a new lease of life to the brand.
For these successful efforts she received the Beauty Inc Award for Marketer of the Year – for a job that put the Philosophy brand in the top five best-selling skin care list in the US this year.
Launch of the Year - Mass
Amongst a host of other awards, another trophy that also receives a lot of attention is the Launch of the Year - Mass, which this year went to ColourPop.
The online only brand has become the fastest-growing color cosmetics brands, thanks to a constant pipeline of new launches that give consumers hundreds of different products to choose from, at mass market prices.