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Kao included in the World's Most Ethical Companies list
The Ethisphere Institute, a leading US think-tank, has named the Kao Corporation one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. Kao is a leading consumer goods company and the only Asian company to have made the list every year since Ethisphere began its ranking in 2007.
The Ethisphere Institute develops and shares best practices in business ethics and corporate social responsibility. The World’s Most Ethical Companies list recognises companies which have demonstrated outstanding performance in transparency, integrity, ethics, and compliance. The Institute surveys and evaluates companies worldwide across five categories covering: ethics and compliance programs, corporate citizenship and responsibility, culture of ethics, governance, and leadership and reputation.
Commenting on the accolade, Yoshihiro Hasebe, Representative Director, President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are honoured to have been selected as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for 17 consecutive years. Our business has always been based on walking the right path, so external evaluations such as this are very important to us. In 2021, we renewed our corporate philosophy—The Kao Way—which includes principles such as ‘We act with courage.’ In order to become a company that leads the industry in a society that will continue to evolve, we have reaffirmed our determination to continue to take on challenges toward high goals.”
Ethisphere’s Chief Executive Officer, Erica Salmon Byrne, said: “We are, once again, delighted to honor Kao as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. Kao is one of only six companies to have received this recognition from its inception – 17 times. This achievement is a testament to Kao’s dedication to continually advancing best practices for ethics, compliance, and governance. We look forward to seeing Kao’s continued leadership in furthering business integrity across the industry and globally.”
In April 2019, the Kao Group established the Kirei Lifestyle Plan, an ESG strategy. The Japanese word ‘kirei’ describes something that is both clean and beautiful. For Kao, Kirei not only encapsulates appearance, but also attitude—to create beauty for oneself, other people, and for the world around us. Since its start in 2021, the Kao Group Mid-term Plan 2025 (K25) has proclaimed “protecting future lives” and promoting “sustainability as the only path” as its vision. The Kao Group will continue to integrate its ESG strategy into its management
practices, and by maintaining and practicing a high level of ethical awareness, aims to develop its business, provide better products and services for consumers and society, and work toward its purpose, “to realise a Kirei world in which all life lives in harmony.”
The Kao Group upholds the founder’s value of “walking the right path” at the core of all corporate activity. As such, this is the first item in the fundamental values that form the basis of its corporate philosophy, “The Kao Way.” This signifies acting in accordance with the law and ethics and conducting honest and sound business activities. Using opportunities such as when personnel join the company, Kao conveys the importance of returning to basics and considering once again what it means to “walk the right path”; the reason why one works and what should be valued during times of change in the world or in the business. In addition, leaders taking initiative and implementing this way of thinking in the workplace allows each and every employee to embody it themselves.
Kao creates high-value-added products and services that provide care and enrichment for the life of all people and the planet. Through its portfolio of over 20 leading brands such as Attack, Bioré, Goldwell, Jergens, John Frieda, Kanebo, Laurier, Merries, and Molton Brown, Kao is part of the everyday lives of people in Asia, Oceania, North America, and Europe.
Elizabeth Arden appoints PR agency Stark Matthews
Renowned beauty innovator, Elizabeth Arden has announced the appointment of Sydney-based beauty PR agency, Stark Matthews, who will manage the brand’s Australian media and influencer relations in 2023.
Deeply rooted in innovation since the brand’s inception in New York in 1910, Elizabeth Arden has continued to lead the beauty industry by creating products that unite science and nature for optimal efficiency. The results have played out in the form of esteemed products such as the cult Eight Hour Cream, the iconic Ceramide Capsules, Red Door fragrance and unmatchable lipstick formulas, offering the complete beauty package for consumers.
Elizabeth Arden’s newly appointed General Manager, Sophie Cooper, shared that the team are excited to bring a fresh outlook to the iconic brand and expose Elizabeth Arden to a new variety of consumers.
“Elizabeth Arden is a brand of firsts – the first businesswoman on the cover of TIME Magazine. The first in the cosmetics industry to train and send out a team of traveling demonstrators and saleswomen. The first to have a weekly radio show about beauty health and well-being. The first to incorporate an exercise studio in a beauty space. Elizabeth was also the first to use a personal publicist to represent herself and the company,” explained Ms Cooper.
“As pioneers, it is our mission to keep Elizabeth Arden’s legacy alive by empowering Australians, as we believe it’s every woman’s birthright to feel beautiful. Elizabeth Arden has followed in its founder’s footsteps to create products that amplify the wearer, giving them confidence, which is why we are excited to have the Stark Matthews team on board.
“With such an assortment of products across the skincare, bodycare, cosmetics and fragrance categories, we’re excited for the opportunity reinvigorate cult classics amongst a new generation,” she said.
Stark Matthews Co-Founder and Director, Tahira Matthews said the boutique agency was thrilled to welcome the iconic beauty brand to their client line up.
“As an agency who have beauty at the core of our business, we have forever been inspired by the Elizabeth Arden brand and its longstanding innovation spanning over 100 years in the industry. We cannot wait to continue to bring to life the Elizabeth Arden legacy and spread the word about the brand’s high-quality offering,” said Ms Matthews.
Stark Matthews will also look after Revlon Inc.’s fragrance portfolio covering Juicy Couture, All Saints, The Elizabeth Taylor Fragrance Collection, Christina Aguilera Fragrances, Britney Spears Fragrances, Ed Hardy and Giorgio Beverly Hills.
Retainer work between the two companies will commence in February 2023.
Elizbeth Arden ANZ is owned by Revlon Inc. and is positioned under the umbrella brand alongside Revlon, Almay, American Crew, CND and Juicy Couture.
Stark Matthews works across a range of beauty brands including Revlon, L’Occitane, Dr. LeWinn’s, No7 and the Wella Company portfolio.
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Mecca celebrates Luna New Year
Beauty giant Mecca has announced that it will be gifting customers six red pockets with any purchase to mark the start of Luna New Year.
The envelopes, which come complete with Mecca branding and intricate gold detailing, are meant to be used to gift money or gift cards. In Chinese culture, the colour red symbolises good luck and prosperity, and the envelopes are handed out to loved ones at the start of the Lunar New Year.
If you’re an online shopper then don’t fret, because you can use code LNY2023 at checkout to redeem your six envelopes.
The initiative is only available at select stores and for a limited time only, so get in quick!
Visit Mecca at www.mecca.com.au.
Entries for the Beauty Boss Awards are now open
Attention all beauty professionals! The wait is over – the Beauty Boss Awards Australia is now accepting entries for the 2023 awards season.
If you're a journalist, editor, entrepreneur, or any other professional working in the beauty industry, this is your chance to be recognised for your exceptional work. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out in your career, be sure to enter.
But don't wait too long – the early bird special rate is only available until December 30, 2022. Simply use code BB22 when you submit and pay to receive $50 off your entry. Keep in mind that you can edit your entry until the final deadline of January 31, 2023, so you have plenty of time to perfect your submission.
The awards gala will take place in late March 2023 (details to be confirmed), so mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate your achievements.
It’s no secret that the media industry is a competitive field, and the Beauty Boss Awards want to recognise and celebrate the hard work and talent of those who make it their passion.
If you have any questions or need assistance with your entry, contact Melanie@beautymaxbusiness.com or by phone at +61 424 756 554.
Good luck!
Prevention Australia announces new annual hair awards
Prevention Australia has announced entries will open on the 7th of November for its new annual hair awards.
The Prevention Healthy Hair Awards 2023 are designed to help women pick the best products for gorgeous, healthy hair.
The panel of judges are highly experienced and respected hair experts who spend months testing and narrowing down the entries to identify the best of the best.
Entries will be open for two weeks only in the following categories:
DAILY HAIR ESSENTIALS
Products you simply can’t live without: shampoo & conditioners, dry shampoos, heat protectants, hair oils.
SMART STYLING
Handy helpers: hairspray, mousse, waxes/pomade, curl enhancers/creams, straightening products, frizz fighters, gels, sea salt spray, texturisers, shine sprays, blow dry sprays, primers.
HAIR & SCALP BOOSTERS
All treatments, masks, hair serums, scalp treatments, scalp exfoliators, anti-dandruff treatments, shine enhancers.
GENIUS TOOLS
Smart ways to get professional results at home: hair dryers, straighteners, wands, curling irons, blow dry brushes, brushes, combs. Plus accessories: clips, hair bands, silk scrunchies and silk pillowcases.
GOING GREEN
Effective eco-friendly hair products and/or those with ‘clean’ credentials.
For all media enquiries, please reach out to Prevention Australia beauty editor, Cecily-Anna Bennett at: beauty@preventionaus.com.au.
Stark Matthews welcomes new Account Director
Stark Matthews is thrilled to welcome Hannah van Otterloo as the agency's new Account Director.
Hannah will be overseeing Stark Matthews’ PR & social media portfolio of clients, including L'Occitane, Dr. LeWinn's, OPI, Wella, No7, Nioxin, weDo Professional, Revitanail and Clairol.
Reach out to her at hannah@starkmatthews.com.au.
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news.com.au shares staff changes
Philippa Tonkin has joined the news.com.au team as ecommerce coordinator for its successful vertical, Best Of.
Please send her any new product news or sales information across beauty, health, tech and more.
The news.com.au Best Of team is as follows:
Edwina Carr Barraclough, Editor
edwina.carrbarraclough@news.com.au
Hannah Paine, Senior Writer and Content Amplification
hannah.paine1@news.com.au
Lauren Chaplin, Consumer Technology Writer
lauren.chaplin@news.com.au
Marina Tatas, Shopping Writer
marina.tatas@news.com.au
Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito, Shopping Writer
tahnee-jae.lopez-vito1@news.com.au
Philippa Tonkin, Ecommerce Coordinator
philippa.tonkin@news.com.au
SHA PR appoints new PR assistant
Ffion Williams is pleased to announce she has recently started at SHA PR as a PR assistant.
She is currently working across the below brands:
Essano
Anastasia Beverly Hills
Fudge Professional
St Tropez
For more information, please contact her at ffion@shapr.com.au.
Evil Twin PR adds new brand to its portfolio
Evil Twin PR is excited to announce it is now working with Revlon Professional.
Offering products for professionals and consumers who love and live amazing hair, Revlon Professional’s ethos of Create Boldly. Live Boldly translate to great hair, every day.
The brand also has a national roster of hair professionals who are experts in colour, trends, and styling.
For more information, reach out to Jane Stabler - jane@eviltwinpr.com.au.
MAXMEDIALAB appointed as PR agency for HydraFacial
MAXMEDIALAB has been appointed the 360 communications agency for HydraFacial, effective immediately.
"We are thrilled to partner with MAXMEDIALAB bringing to life our strategic plans across social, PR, media and production. The team are just as passionate as we are to communicate the key benefits and game changing technology used by HydraFacial," said HydraFacial global CEO, Andrew Stanleick.
HydraFacial’s signature three steps are about more than just glowing, healthy skin. When we look good, we feel good and that’s the difference you get with a HydraFacial experience.
Combining instant results with ongoing benefits from its custom skincare boosters, HydraFacial delivers long-term results. Best of all, HydraFacial is for everyone. All skin types. All skin concerns. And all skin tones.
"We are extremely proud to work with HydraFacial and look forward to creating engaging brand experiences that champion this innovative company through MAXMEDIALAB’s signature 360 approach," said MAXMEDIALAB CEO, Lynette Phillips.
For all media enquiries, please contact MAXMEDIALAB communications director, Ingrid Lovett: ilovett@maxmedialab.com.au.