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SEARCHCoty Inc. announced today that OPI founder and CEO George Schaeffer is retiring, but he will continue to work with OPI’s management team through a newly created role as OPI’s strategic board advisor. He’ll support long-standing artistic director Suzi Weiss-Fischmann and newly appointed GM Mary van Praag.
City of Hope's 2012 Spirit of Life Award was presented to OPI's George Schaeffer, who raised $5.2 million for City of Hope for diabetes research. (He raised $2.7 million and pledged to match $2.5 million on his own.)
City of Hope's 2012 Spirit of Life Award was presented to OPI's George Schaeffer, who raised $5.2 million for City of Hope for diabetes research. (He raised $2.7 million and pledged to match $2.5 million on his own.)
Coty Inc. announced today that OPI founder and CEO George Schaeffer is retiring, but he will continue to work with OPI’s management team through a newly created role as OPI’s strategic board advisor. He’ll support long-standing artistic director Suzi Weiss-Fischmann and newly appointed GM Mary van Praag.
“The OPI brand is my baby, which I have loved and nurtured for many years, and will continue to do so,” said Schaeffer. “I look forward to working together with Mary and Suzi and expanding OPI’s presence worldwide.”
Since founding OPI in 1981, Schaeffer has built one of the beauty industry’s most iconic and successful nail care brands. With more than 400 unique shades (all with clever, catchy names), OPI has spent the last three decades working closely with the fashion and entertainment industries.
“George puts his heart into everything that he does: the OPI business, the professional nail care industry, and his philanthropy,” said Michele Scannavini, CEO of Coty Inc. “I would like to thank George for his commitment over the years and wish him continued success in the future.”
“George is a visionary leader and entrepreneur,” said Renato Semerari, president of Coty Beauty. “I am very thankful for his leadership in making OPI such an iconic brand and for his help in making OPI become an integral part of the Coty family. I’m extremely pleased that he will remain involved in OPI’s future.”
After more than 30 years leading OPI, Schaeffer, who is well known for his philanthropy, will focus on The Schaeffer Family Foundation and multiple charities that support health-related causes and children’s education. Click here for more on Schaeffer's philanthropic focus.
Schaeffer at City of Hope's 2012 Spirit of Life Award gala with NAILS' Cyndy Drummey (left) and Hannah Lee (right).
Schaeffer routinely gives away computers and scholarships to the children of OPI's employees.
Coty Appoints New General Manager of OPI
To move the brand forward and lead its international expansion, Coty has appointed Mary van Praag to general manager of OPI. Van Praag will begin her new role on January 1, 2014, replacing John Heffner, who has left the organization to join DryBar as CEO.
Van Praag successfully led Coty’s mass channel sales organization in the U.S. for three years, after which she was promoted to her current role managing Coty’s business in Canada. She has been instrumental in turning Coty Canada’s mass channel business around as well as building and developing a stronger organization.
“Mary’s strong business acumen, category knowledge and diverse work experience will be key assets in expanding the OPI brand business internationally,” said Semerari. “She has been a star performer within the organization for many years and I’m confident that there is no candidate more qualified than Mary for this important role.”
“I’m deeply honored that Coty’s leadership has chosen me to oversee the OPI brand, especially during this crucial time in the brand’s history,” said van Praag. “I’m eager to start my new role and working with George and Suzi to propel the OPI brand towards new levels of growth.”
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