For 115 years, L'Oréal, the world's leading beauty group, has been dedicated to offering everyone the best products in terms of quality, efficacy, safety, transparency and responsibility, with its broad portfolio of currently 39 international brands and several additional local brands to fulfil all beauty needs and desires.

With the common goal "Create the beauty that moves the world" and ambitious sustainability goals as part of its "L'Oréal for the Future" programme, L'Oréal defines its approach to beauty as essential, inclusive, ethical, generous and committed to social and environmental sustainability.

With over 90,000 dedicated employees worldwide, a balanced geographical presence and sales across all distribution channels (mass market, department stores, pharmacies, hairdressing salons, e-commerce, etc.), the L'Oréal Group generates annual sales of over 40 billion euros. With 20 research centres on all continents and a dedicated research and innovation team of over 4,000 scientists and 6,400 digital talents, L'Oréal is focused on inventing the future of beauty and becoming a "Beauty Tech Powerhouse".

The history of L'Oréal in Switzerland began in 1942 in Geneva with the founding of Lorsa SA and the distribution of L'Oréal hair care products. Five years later, an academy was opened in Zurich, followed by the opening of another academy in Lausanne. In 2010, L'Oréal Suisse SA consolidated its various site teams/divisions into a central headquarters in Vernier (Geneva) while maintaining its training academy in Zurich Oerlikon. Today, L'Oréal offers over 30 international and local brands in various product categories on the Swiss market. L'Oréal employs over 300 people in Switzerland.

Frédéric Beyeler, Country General Counsel, Board of Directors

Five questions for Frédéric Beyeler, Country General Counsel, Board of Directors

01.

What is your company proud of?

L'Oréal has chosen the unique strategy of "universalisation". It stands for a globalisation that recognises, understands and respects differences in desires, needs and traditions. L'Oréal is driven by the vision of offering customised beauty and fulfilling the wishes of consumers in all regions of the world.
We are strategically focused but at the same time operationally decentralised. Local teams ensure that we are close to our consumers and their wishes in every country.
In addition, we anticipate and continuously adapt to changes in the beauty industry, particularly with regard to digitalisation and developments in the retail sector.

02.

What significant changes have taken place in your company in recent years?

In 2020, with "L'Oréal for the Future ", we significantly strengthened our sustainability programme, which has been in place since 2013, with ambitious, measurable and time-bound impact reduction targets to be achieved by 2030. We are proud that in 2024, L'Oréal was awarded the top grade "A" by the international non-profit organisation CDP for the eighth consecutive year for its environmental leadership in the fight against climate change, its commitment to forests and water supply.
L'Oréal Switzerland has also decided to create new synergies with L'Oréal Germany and Austria from 2023 in order to better respond to changing consumer habits.

03.

Why are you a member of the SKW, where can the SKW help you the most and what are your experiences with the SKW?

We are of course members of the SKW, as it is the professional association specifically dedicated to our industry in Switzerland.
I believe that we are stronger together and I see this association as a way of keeping us all up to date with the latest developments in Swiss and European Union legislation, liaising with the authorities and protecting our interests where necessary.
The cases involving ingredients used in our industry and the safety of our products are probably the best example of our co-operation.

I believe that together we can communicate even more about the necessity and importance of our work.

04.

What opportunities and challenges do you see for your company in the near future?

Artificial intelligence is a very interesting change that affects us all. It affects the way we work and every aspect of our value chain. To give an example, with virtual try-on, consumers can try on lipsticks, hair colours, etc. virtually, which then gives them more confidence in their choices and improves their experience.
Ultimately, it's never just about AI or technology, there will always be the human touch and adherence to ethical principles remains paramount; this is a mandatory framework for us.
We can also mention the development of complementary technologies related to combating the signs of ageing.

05.

What are your expectations and concerns for the SKW for the future?

I think that the role of the SKW can be further strengthened when it comes to representing the importance of our sector to the public and the institutions. Beauty is by no means a secondary sector, it is an essential sector. People need to look after themselves and feel good about themselves, and thanks to the many companies based in Switzerland, our sector is also a growth sector for our country.
I believe that together we can communicate even more about the necessity and importance of what we do.
Increased cooperation with other industry organisations in the European Union also makes sense, especially when it comes to introducing international standards.

About L'Oréal Switzerland

Founded:	1909
Location:	Vernier
Employees:	approx. 420

www.loreal.com/de-ch/switzerland