We just got news that P&G's president—global salon professional, Robert Jongstra, is retiring from the company following more than 29 years of devoted service. Adil Mehboob-Khan, currently VP—female beauty, Western Europe, will take the reigns following Jongstra's departure on May 1, 2011.
Until his retirement on January 1, 2012, Jongstra will serve as president—brand franchise capability, reporting to Robert A. McDonald, chairman of the board, president and CEO. Mr. Jongstra will partner with Marc S. Pritchard, global brand building officer, for this assignment. Mr. Mehboob-Khan will report to Edward D. Shirley, vice chairman—global beauty & grooming, and will continue to be located in Geneva, Switzerland.
Under Mr. Jongstra’s leadership, P&G Salon Professional has become a unique professional company, marrying the best capabilities of P&G and Wella, to serve more stylists, in more parts of the world, more completely. Today, P&G Salon Professional is the world’s second largest salon company, with a unique portfolio of iconic brands such as Wella Professionals, Sebastian Professional, Clairol Professional and Nioxin, providing inspirational education and unique business-building and stylist-support programs.
“Robert has made substantial contributions to the P&G business in his 29 years with the company,” said Mr. Shirley. “Most recently, Robert has succeeded in creating a new salon company within P&G, managing the complex business and employee integration of Wella into the broader organization. Creating the ‘Stylist is Boss’ philosophy, Robert led a major business transformation that included creation of a global, complementary portfolio of five iconic brands, all of which have been transformed with significant innovation, inspirational branding and new, strong partnership programs. He has left an enduring legacy at P&G and in the beauty industry.”
Mr. Shirley added, “Adil is the right leader to succeed Robert. With more than 20 years of experience in the company, 15 of which have been in Beauty, Adil has a proven track record of developing beauty-inspired brands and organizations around the world. In his last assignment as the vice president for Western Europe Female Beauty, Adil created a new organization, bringing together and managing a unique portfolio to better serve women’s beauty needs from head to toe. He is a passionate advocate of the salon professional and the foundational role that hair stylists play in a woman’s beauty ritual. His deep experience, inspirational leadership and commitment to the industry make him well-suited to lead our Salon Professional business and to make a real difference in the lives of stylists and the women and men they serve throughout the world.”
