Vasiliki Petrou has spent her 29-year career on an upward trajectory, rising through the ranks of the world’s most prestigious corporate beauty companies. Now, as Executive Vice President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Unilever Prestige, she is dedicated to ensuring the brands she has brought into the group are given the support and platform to thrive.

After graduating from college, Ms. Petrou joined Procter & Gamble and worked in marketing and general management positions across innovation, haircare, and color cosmetics in local, regional, and global roles. She joined Unilever in 2012 as Vice President of its personal care department. In 2014, she assumed her current role in a division that was her vision.

Prestige has now reached an estimated €2.5 billion retail sales. It is home to nine brands, all handpicked by Ms. Petrou: Dermalogica, Murad, Kate Somerville, Garancia, Tatcha, Living Proof, Ren, Hourglass Cosmetics, and Paula’s Choice, each operating independently within the context of a larger corporate framework. Ms. Petrou gives each chief executive officer the platform needed to push the brand’s purpose into world leading firsts. She has pioneered a “new world” culture known for mental and physical wellbeing, diversity, and female empowerment.

Ms. Petrou is Chair of Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) and was recognized by the Kellogg Foundation for outstanding women’s leadership.

She was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to pursue a master’s in American literature and communications at University of Texas. She also earned an M.B.A. in finance and marketing at Columbia Business School.