Calvin McDonald Appointed CEO of The Wella Company

The Wella Company has announced the appointment of Calvin McDonald as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective April 2, 2026. McDonald, an industry veteran, will also join the company’s Board of Directors and will be based in New York. His predecessor, Glenn Murphy, will continue as Executive Chair, providing strategic guidance during this transition.

Murphy expressed enthusiasm about McDonald’s appointment, highlighting his extensive experience in leading global consumer brands. “Calvin’s proven ability to drive results through product differentiation, category expansion, and smart investments will help us win in the dynamic beauty sector,” he stated.

Under the ownership of KKR, The Wella Company has evolved into a leading entity in the global beauty market. The company boasts a comprehensive brand portfolio, which includes Wella Professionals, noted as the number one salon color brand globally, along with other renowned names such as Sebastian Professional, OPI, ghd, Nioxin, and Clairol. Over recent years, Wella has enhanced its brand presence, streamlined its innovation strategy, and established a foundation for sustainable growth.

Nancy Ford, Partner at KKR, expressed confidence in McDonald’s leadership. “We are pleased with the growth that Wella has achieved since our initial investment and are confident that Calvin is the right leader to build on that foundation,” she said. Ford thanked Murphy for his leadership and expressed anticipation for the collaboration between McDonald, Murphy, and the broader leadership team.

In his comments, McDonald conveyed excitement about rejoining the beauty industry, emphasizing its innovative nature and consumer enthusiasm. He previously served as President and CEO of Sephora Americas, where he led the company to five consecutive years of double-digit growth, transforming it into a market leader in the region. His leadership in haircare resulted in it becoming Sephora’s fastest-growing category.

Most recently, McDonald was the CEO of lululemon athletica inc., where he tripled the company’s annual revenues and expanded its global reach to over 30 countries. “I’m energized by the opportunity to elevate these iconic brands and unlock new ways to connect with consumers,” he shared.

McDonald holds an MBA from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Western Ontario. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of The Walt Disney Company.

The Wella Company, established over 145 years ago, is recognized for its innovative approach to beauty, integrating science, technology, and artistry. With a diverse workforce of over 6,000 employees, the company aims to positively impact the communities it serves. Its headquarters are located in key cities, including New York City, Geneva, London, and Calabasas, California.

As McDonald steps into this pivotal role, the beauty industry will be watching closely to see how his leadership will shape the future of The Wella Company and its esteemed brands.