Coty Inc. has unveiled plans to accelerate the footprint of its prestige and consumer beauty segments in India, with the appointment of a new business development director, and the signing of an agreement with local distributor, House of Beauty, for Kylie Cosmetics, in India.
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As part of the India expansion, the American beauty giant has appointed Rizwan Mulla to the role of business development director, India. Mulla brings more than 25 years of experience in operational management, business development and marketing to Coty’s Southeast Asia leadership team. Based in Mumbai, the executive will work to maximise revenue streams and business value, and will be tasked with identifying growth opportunities, refining operations, and fostering valuable partnerships for Coty
across India.
Mulla and his team will also be focused on nurturing key customer relationships while driving brand and omni-retail excellence with the local distributors across prestige and consumer beauty divisions.
“Over the past five years, we have witnessed the meteoric rise of prestige beauty in India and today it represents one of the key long-term growth opportunities in Asia for Coty,” said Kristina Strunz, managing director, Coty Southeast Asia and India.
“The strategic investment in Coty’s operations in India underlines the company’s ambition to solidify our already strong presence in the sizeable Indian beauty market. We are excited to welcome Rizwan and the team as we gear up to accelerate growth across the luxury and everyday beauty segments in this dynamic and exciting market.”
Coinciding with the appointment, the New York-based company also announced a new distribution partnership with House of Beauty, which sees the launch of Kylie Cosmetics in India.
A leader in specialty beauty, House of Beauty will leverages its expertise in brand building and premium distribution to develop the U.S. beauty brand and its omnichannel retail presence in India.
“We are delighted to complete this partnership between Coty and our group company, House of Beauty, to add Kylie Cosmetics to our exciting beauty portfolio. Led by Sanjali Giri (VP, international brand distribution), House of Beauty has proven successful in building and scaling premium global beauty brands through strong brand storytelling, superior distribution, robust partnerships and extensive omnichannel expertise,” said Shriti Malhotra, group CEO, Quest Retail, House of Beauty.
“There is growing demand across India for quality make-up, best-in-class innovation and immersive marketing activations from international beauty lifestyle brands. Together with Coty, we look forward to strengthening our national portfolio and footprint, and hope to accelerate the rise of premium beauty in South Asia by making Kylie Cosmetics shine in India.”
A key distribution market in Asia, Indian consumers currently have access to Coty prestige brands including Gucci Beauty, Burberry Beauty, Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein and Davidoff fragrances, as well as consumer brands such as Rimmel, MaxFactor and Adidas. In the financial year 2023, Coty India grew 65 percent and this growth trajectory is set to continue in the year ahead, supported by a series of new fragrance
releases launches, blockbuster campaigns and upcoming brand launches.
In the last five years, India’s beauty sector has also grown from USD12.3 billion in 2018 to USD 15.6 billion in 2022, fueled by more widespread internet access, rising income levels, and a growing population of young consumers who are increasingly conscious of skincare and bodycare, according to Coty.
The early adoption of makeup among teens and those entering the job market have also been key drivers in the acceleration of the beauty and personal care market in India, it said.
Looking ahead, India’s beauty market is expected to reach USD 17.4 billion by 2025.