Ethical cosmetics retailer The Body Shop has strengthened its executive committee with a number of internal promotions.

Xavier Vidal, the former Sainsbury’s high-flyer who was appointed commercial director of The Body Shop in 2009, has been promoted to become managing director of Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Paul McGreevy, formerly international operations director, has been promoted to lead research and development and values, while Philippe Reale, previously international director of supply chain and logistics reporting to McGreevy, has been promoted to lead operations.

A spokesman said the executive committee changes were “a result of retirements and internal promotions”. He said the retailer had “got off to a good start” in 2011.

The executive committee of The Body Shop, which L’Oréal bought from founders Anita and Gordon Roddick in 2006, is a management team of 10, reporting to chief executive Sophie Gasperment.