The Body Shop CEO steps down, former Coach exec appointed as interim chief

By

Benjamin Fitzgerald

Published
Apr 19, 2023

Natura &Co announced on Wednesday that David Boynton is stepping down as chief executive of The Body Shop. Ian Bickley, a Natura &Co board director and former Coach executive, will take the helm as interim CEO.

According to the Brazil-based cosmetics giant, Bickley will be working closely with The Body Shop's executive leadership team "to refine and expand upon the current business plan and accelerate the transformation agenda, to speed up the road to profitability together with a return to sustainable revenue."

He will also be working closely with Natura &Co leadership to find a permanent successor to Boynton. 

A luxury and branded consumer goods veteran, Bickley has experience in managing and growing international franchise opportunities, driving global omnichannel growth, and innovation. His tenure includes some 25 years at Coach, where he served as president of the U.S. brand's international segment. Having served on Natura's board for more than four years, Bickley also has "a deep understanding of [The Body Shop] business, according to Natura, which recently offloaded its Aesop skincare business to L'Oreal.

"David has shown incredible passion for The Body Shop during his tenure. On behalf of the entire Natura &Co Board, we want to acknowledge and thank him for his leadership," said Fabio Barbosa, Natura &Co's group CEO.

"As we bid farewell to David, we also look forward to this next chapter in the story of The Body Shop. A chapter that holds endless possibilities and prospects for success. It is with great excitement that we welcome Ian Bickley. Ian's passion for the retail sector and his track record of success makes him the right leader to bring new energy to the company. As part of his role, Ian will be working closely with us to find a permanent successor and champion of Anita's legacy – a legacy that continues to inspire us all."

Earlier this month, The Body Shop North America announced the appointment of Jordan Searle as general manager for the brand in the U.S. and Canada.