Kolmar Korea (KRX: 161890) is accelerating its global expansion strategy by appointing seasoned professionals from the global cosmetics industry to its North American subsidiary. This move coincides with the company’s plan to establish its second U.S. plant early next year, aiming to strengthen its foothold in the local market. Key appointments include a new North American operations head and a Global Chief Commercial Officer (GCCO), alongside the implementation of a strategic framework integrating production, sales, and R&D.
President Yongchul Hur has been appointed CEO of Kolmar Laboratories and Kolmar USA, tasked with leveraging his extensive experience in the global ODM business to drive growth in North America. Philippe Warnery, appointed as GCCO, brings over 25 years of expertise in global cosmetics, focusing on securing major sales opportunities across prominent brands and indie markets. George Rivera assumes the role of Chief Science Officer (CSO) for the North American subsidiaries, bringing over two decades of R&D experience from companies like L’Oreal USA and Intercos.
Inki Park, appointed as head of the R&D Center for North America, will collaborate with CSO Rivera to tailor R&D efforts to local market needs. With 18 years of research experience, Park will adapt core technologies developed at Kolmar’s global R&D hub in South Korea for the North American market.
Kolmar Korea aims to optimize its North American production capabilities, including existing and upcoming facilities, to achieve $100 million in sales over the next five years. The company plans aggressive expansion into Central and South America, alongside promoting ODM sales through efficient logistics for Korean indie brands entering the U.S. market.
A spokesperson from Kolmar Korea emphasized, “These appointments underscore our commitment to accelerating growth in North America by leveraging industry expertise. We are focused on enhancing synergy across sales, production, and R&D to expand our influence beyond North America into Europe.”
Recognizing the strategic importance of the North American market, Kolmar Korea has bolstered its presence through strategic acquisitions and the establishment of the Kolmar Innovation Center in New Jersey, USA, to support its expanding sales network.
