Thia Breen Chair’s PCPC Annual Meeting Focused on Redefining Beauty in a Changing World

Company Feature, Mar 6, 2017

March 6, 2017 – The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the leading national trade association representing the global cosmetics industry with more than 600 member companies, held its annual meeting from February 26 – March 2 at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida. Thia Breen, Group President, North America, The Estée Lauder Companies, and Chair of the Board of Directors of PCPC, commenced the Council’s 123rd annual meeting by delivering the Chair’s Speech.

Addressing industry leaders from across the globe, and in keeping with this year’s theme “Redefining Beauty in a Changing World,” Breen’s speech highlighted the industry’s progress, the changing consumer dynamics, the evolving regulatory and political landscape, and opportunities the industry can seize working together.

“When you consider the scope of change surrounding our industry—from the evolving ways consumers shop and experience brands to how and where they consume and share information, to the new regulatory climate—we want to ensure that we are the ones defining the terms of the conversation. We are at our strongest when we come together to reaffirm our core principles, when we take stock of our industry’s challenges, and proactively plan for tomorrow,” said Breen during her remarks.

Topics covered during the five-day event included: the political landscape and emerging issues affecting the industry; earning and maintaining consumer trust; creating a cultural impact with millennial consumers; the evolution of mobile and digital content; and advocating for regulatory risk assessment and global regulatory harmonization, among other topics.

“Perhaps at no time in our history has there been such a dynamic convergence of challenges and opportunities for our industry,” said Council President and CEO Lezlee Westine. “This week’s program is timely, as it reflects the momentous changes in our society and will provide keen insight into how our member companies can effectively respond,” she continued.

A key priority for Breen in her role as Chair of PCPC has been advocating for legislation to modernize FDA regulatory oversight of cosmetics safety. She will continue working closely with Westine and the senior management team to grow the industry’s voice on scientific, legal, regulatory, legislative and international issues, and working closely with PCPC’s sister associations globally to align on objectives.

“Redefining beauty means doubling down on the best of what we do-from protecting the environment… to advancing workplace equality…to driving innovation… to supporting scientific research… to empowering consumers to show their best possible face to the world. We need to be an industry where, the more people know, the more they admire our work. This means finding new ways to engage transparently and authentically to ensure our core audiences, from policy makers to consumers, better understand who we are, what we stand for, and the scientific rigor behind our industry,” said Breen.

Learn more about Thia Breen, Group President, North America.

About PCPC

Based in Washington, D.C., the Personal Care Products Council is the leading national trade association representing the global cosmetic and personal care products industry. Founded in 1894, the Council's more than 600 member companies manufacture, distribute, and supply the vast majority of personal care products marketed in the U.S. and are global leaders committed to product safety, quality and innovation.