The Body Shop interim chief executive Ian Bickley has left the business, effective immediately, as private equity firm Aurelius takes ownership, Retail Week can reveal.
Bickley, who stepped into the role in April 2023, has withdrawn from the Body Shop after the successful completion of its sales to private equity firm Aurelius.
This comes after Aurelius snapped up the specialist beauty retailer from Natura &Co in a £207m deal, with an earnout of £90m, in November last year.
The Body Shop said: “Following the completion of the sale of The Body Shop to international private equity group Aurelius, interim chief executive Ian Bickley has left the business.
“Ian was a member of former owner Natura &Co’s board when he stepped into the interim CEO role in April 2023, tasked with transitioning The Body Shop to a more stable footing.
“In taking initial steps to turn around The Body Shop’s performance and steering the business through the sale process, he has achieved his goal. Now Aurelius is in place as the new owners, it is time to hand over leadership.”
It remains unclear as to who will take over the position following Bickley’s departure, however The Body Shop said it will work closely with Aurelius “to develop a strong, long-term strategy” for the business.
The retailer said: “The immediate focus of the leadership team will be on the separation from Natura &Co and continuing the transformation outlined last year. The team will be getting deep into all aspects of the business to develop a strong, long-term strategy, supported by the right structure and operating model. This will include the appointment of a CEO in due course.
“The Body Shop was the original trailblazer business, setting environmental and ethical standards for all beauty brands, and looks forward to reclaiming this leadership position.
“The Body Shop would like to thank Ian for his stewardship through this important period and wish him every success.”
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