Glossier CEO Kyle Leahy departs

U.S. cult beauty brand Glossier announced on Tuesday its chief executive officer Kyle Leahy will step down from the top spot by year-end. 

Leahy took on the CEO role at the New York-based Glossier three years ago, when the executive replaced founder, Emily Weiss, who had helmed her brand since its inception in 2014. 

A retail veteran, Leahy first joined Glossier in November of 2021, where she served as chief commercial officer, before her promotion to company CEO in May 0f 2022. Prior to that, she spent nine years at American fashion brand Cole Haan serving in varying roles, after cutting her apparel teeth as an analyst at Nike.

“Over three years ago, Emily [Weiss] and I shared exciting news about Glossier’s next chapter, and I was honored to step into my role as CEO of the company she built,” Leahy said in note to Glossier employees on Tuesday, as cited by WWD.

​“Today, we have reached a new chapter defined by scale, profitability and brand strength. With that foundation in place, the board and I believe this is the right moment to bring in the next CEO to lead this new phase of growth.”

​Leahy will remain on the Glossier board through 2026, and will assist in finding her successor.

Under Leahy, the buzzy cosmetics brand entered Sephora in 2022, across the U.S. and Canada, and recruited Marie Suter as its chief creative director the following year. More recently, Leahy was also instrumental in leading the expansion of Glossier’s fragrance business.

“I am so grateful for Kyle’s leadership and stewardship of Glossier over these past three-plus years,” said Weiss.

“She deeply understands how unique and special this brand is, and was exactly the right person to serve as our CEO as we looked to evolve our business model for sustainability and profitability, and scale our brand.  Glossier was always built to be more than just one person — more than me, more than Kyle — and I am excited to partner with her to find our next leader.” 

Leahy’s next career move is yet to be determined.