Cloud Nine names new global managing director to drive growth

Cloud Nine has named Stephanie Mason as its new global managing director at what the business called a “pivotal moment” in its expansion journey.

In her new role, Mason will lead the group’s growth and global expansion strategy amid the retailer’s rebrand that hopes to “challenge category norms”.

Cloud Nine said it is focused on “product innovation and excellence” by using intelligent hair technology tools that adapt to individual hair needs.

Mason founded her own haircare extension brand Showpony, which she grew to 22 countries before selling the business to Kevin Murphy in 2023.

Cloud Nine said she is “no stranger” to the industry and has also helped several other brands to grow.

Mason said: “Cloud Nine honorary chair Susan Powls has always been a great inspiration to me. Entrepreneurial success stories like Susan’s — raw, authentic, and powerful — are the foundation of our brand and, I believe, the key to connecting with our customers on an even deeper level. As women, we all know what it’s like to be written out of the narrative — now it’s time to own our triumphs and support others to do the same.”

Cloud Nine chair Martin Rae said: “Since joining the business earlier this year, Stephanie’s expertise and contribution have proved invaluable to fuelling our continued double-digit growth.

“Female leadership has always been a huge part of Cloud Nine. When my mum first founded GHD in the early 2000s, she was an innovator who fought hard to have her ideas acknowledged. As a business where 67% of our workforce is female, we’re proud to continue our legacy of elevating and crediting leaders like Stephanie Mason. It’s important for our brand, the industry and our team that women are front and centre as we champion this new era of healthy hair styling.”