With the retirement of longtime chief executive Lori Bush, Rodan + Fields has appointed former Safeway executive Diane Dietz to succeed Bush as President and CEO.
Rodan + Fields announced in December 2015 that Bush would retire early this year. Founders Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields, both dermatologists, brought Bush on board in 2007, after pulling the company’s products from high-end department stores to transition to a social commerce model. Under her leadership, Rodan + Fields generated revenue of $330 million in 2014.
The company’s newly appointed President and CEO is well-versed in the management of global retail brands. Dietz hails from food and drug retailer Safeway, where she served as Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, overseeing marketing, merchandising, digital strategy and supply chain, as well as the company’s award-winning private label business.
“The board is pleased to have found the best individual to continue pursuing the vision of the founding doctors. Their goal has been to empower entrepreneurs to build one of the world’s leading premium skincare brands,” Board Chairman Amnon Rodan said in a statement. “Diane has a strong track record for leadership and building global brands. This combined with her expertise in operations management, makes Diane uniquely qualified to lead Rodan + Fields successfully into the future.”
Prior to her stint at Safeway, Dietz held a succession of general and brand management positions at Proctor & Gamble. She spent nearly 20 years in the company’s Health & Beauty sector, where she earned recognition for rejuvenating the Crest dental care brand, an undertaking that included the rollout of Crest Whitestrips, Pro Health and Glide. Dietz also played a lead role in P&G’s acquisition of Gillette. Currently, she sits on the boards of both Whirlpool Corp. and Zoosk.
“Since its inception, Rodan + Fields has built a powerful brand, business model and technology. I am honored and grateful to the founders and the board for the opportunity to lead this exceptional company of dedicated and talented professionals and entrepreneurs,” said Dietz. “To be entrusted with the responsibility to continue to realize the founders’ vision is truly a privilege. I am eager to begin what will be an exciting journey to drive the long-term success of Rodan + Fields.”
