Wella takes on new head of marketing

Shampoo maker Wella has appointed Heather Cooper as head of its marketing department.

She takes the title of marketing group manager and will oversee the marketing of all the company’s shampoos, conditioners, and colouring and styling products.

Cooper takes over from Marian Conn, who held the post for a year and has now moved to another, part-time position within Wella. Conn is understood to be leaving the company soon.

Prior to this appointment, Cooper was category manager for shampoos and conditioners. She was responsible for brands such as Vosene and Wella Experience.

The company has been beset with problems recently. There were lower than expected profits for 1995 due to the strong German mark, and drops in group sales in several of its major markets.

It also had to face increasing competition from Procter & Gamble’s Pantene Pro-V and Unilever’s Organics ranges. Wella AG announced senior board changes in January 1996 to try to arrest these problems.

Last week, Wella launched a 5m ad campaign through Abbott Mead Vickers.BBDO to support its Experience with Liquid Hair range of shampoos and conditioners. Wella’s other brands include Wella Balsam, Silvikrin and Vosene shampoo.