Japanese beauty powerhouse Shiseido has announced a significant leadership reshuffle, appointing Alberto Noe as CEO of the Americas region. The move comes as part of a broader strategic overhaul that includes senior promotions, executive departures, and domestic job reductions. The announcement underscores Shiseido’s efforts to streamline operations and strengthen its leadership team during a challenging financial period.
Noe, a seasoned executive with a long history at Shiseido, previously served as interim CEO for the Americas after being appointed earlier this year. He succeeds Ron Gee, who stepped down in April. Noe’s career with Shiseido began in 2013 when he joined as president and CEO of Italy, marking the start of a trajectory that has seen him take on multiple high-profile roles across the company’s global operations. In 2019, he became chief business officer of the EMEA region, before being appointed deputy managing director EMEA in January 2023. Most recently, he was named president and CEO of Shiseido EMEA in March 2024, a position he will continue to hold alongside his new responsibilities for the Americas region. This dual role reflects the company’s confidence in Noe’s ability to manage two of its most significant markets simultaneously.
Alongside Noe’s appointment, Shiseido has also promoted several executives to key leadership positions. Makoto Toyoda has been elevated to chief information technology officer, a role expected to drive digital transformation and operational efficiency. Hidefumi Araki now serves as global brand and product innovation officer, tasked with steering the company’s creative and product development strategies. Additionally, Naomi Kawanishi has been appointed global brand president of Clé de Peau, Shiseido’s super-luxury skincare line, signaling the company’s continued investment in its high-end portfolio.
The leadership changes are accompanied by notable departures from the company. Angelica Munson, chief digital officer; Tomoko Ikeda, chief brand and product innovation officer; and So George Sugitomo, chief creative officer, are all leaving Shiseido, effective January 1. These exits mark the end of an era for several long-serving executives and highlight the company’s ongoing efforts to restructure its top management team to better align with evolving business priorities.
Alberto Noe – Shiseido
In addition to these leadership changes, Shiseido announced plans to reduce around 200 domestic jobs through its “Next Career Support Plan” early retirement program. The move forms part of a broader effort to optimize operational efficiency and manage costs amid a challenging economic environment for the beauty sector.
The leadership reshuffle coincides with the release of Shiseido’s financial results for the first nine months of 2025, which revealed a net loss of 43,983 million yen (€246 million), compared to a profit of 754 million yen (€4.2 million) in the same period last year. The results reflect pressures from global market fluctuations, supply chain challenges, and shifting consumer behaviors. While the company faces headwinds, the appointment of Noe and other senior leaders is intended to inject fresh strategic direction and ensure that Shiseido remains competitive in key markets.
Alberto Noe’s dual leadership roles for both EMEA and the Americas suggest a strategic approach that emphasizes synergy between the two regions, potentially leveraging best practices, cross-market innovation, and shared operational efficiencies. As CEO of the Americas, Noe will be responsible for driving growth in one of Shiseido’s largest and most diverse markets, which includes the United States, Canada, and Latin America. His experience in Europe, coupled with his extensive knowledge of the global beauty landscape, positions him to guide Shiseido through both immediate challenges and long-term growth opportunities.
In conclusion, Shiseido’s leadership overhaul, highlighted by the appointment of Alberto Noe as CEO of the Americas, represents a bold step in the company’s ongoing transformation. By combining strategic promotions, key executive exits, and targeted workforce reductions, Shiseido aims to strengthen its operational structure, streamline decision-making, and enhance competitiveness in the global beauty market. The company faces challenges, but with Noe at the helm of its Americas operations, alongside his EMEA responsibilities, Shiseido is positioning itself for a more resilient and innovative future.
This move reinforces Shiseido’s commitment to strategic growth, brand innovation, and global market leadership, signaling to investors, consumers, and employees alike that the company is actively reshaping itself to meet the demands of an evolving beauty industry.