Aurelian Lis is stepping down as global chief executive officer of Dermalogica, WWD has learned.
Lis joined the brand in 2015, shortly after it was acquired by Unilever. At that time, sales were reported to be $240 million in 2014. That figure is thought to have doubled during Lis’ tenure, with Dermalogica approaching $1 billion at retail according to sources.
Unilever executives declined to comment on the numbers.
Dermalogica is one of the most important brands in the Unilever Prestige portfolio, one of four “power” brands that also includes K18 Biomimetic Hair Science, Paula’s Choice and Hourglass. The division is run by CEO Mary Carmen “MC” Gasco-Buisson.
“After 10 years leading Dermalogica as CEO, Aurelian Lis has decided to step down and will leave at the end of December 2026,” said Gasco-Buisson. “We are grateful for Aurelian’s leadership and contribution over the past decade. Under his leadership, Dermalogica has strengthened its position as a global leader in professional skin care and is well positioned for its next chapter.”
Tim Bunch, currently the general manager, North America, of Dermalogica will lead the business on an interim basis while the search for a successor is underway, Gasco-Buisson said.
Lis joined Dermalogica from Benefit, where he quadrupled sales. Prior to that, he had a customized skin care business called Prescribed Solutions, which was sold to a unit of the Michigan-based Ferndale Pharma Group in August 2009.
During his time at Dermalogica, Lis is credited with helping cement the brand’s position as a leader in the professional space, while also increasing its presence in select retail channels.
In a note sent to staff obtained by WWD, Lis said that he will return to entrepreneurship. “AI and the convergence of skin care, wellness and holistic health are the most exciting places to build right now, and that is where I want to be,” he wrote.
Lis cited Dermalogica founder Jane Wurwand in his letter, noting that the brand supported over 75,000 aestheticians when spas were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I believe Dermalogica is ideally placed for the future,” he wrote. “It stands beyond the surface. A professional skin therapist sees more than the surface of the skin, and that depth is what separates professional skin care from everything else on the shelf. It is a powerful place for a brand to be.”