CK Cosmetics hires first Euro chief

Unilever-owned Calvin Klein Cosmetics has appointed its first vice-president for European marketing and sales development.

Shelley Smyth has been promoted from managing director of Calvin Klein Cosmetics UK. She took up the position at the beginning of this week.

Smyth has responsibility for European marketing and education. The European marketing director, advertising director and education director will report to her.

The company has just set up the European education department. It trains staff from all levels – from customer services to teaching the company’s core values.

Lynne Bonson, senior vice-president and general manager for Europe, says the appointment is a result of expansion. “We’re getting ready to launch our tenth brand next year and we needed someone to manage the growth,” she says. The company is unveiling Contradiction for Men in March 1999.

The appointment follows news that Calvin Klein is considering the centralisation of its 60m European media buying account.

CIA Medianetwork and Initiative Media, which until now have shared the business, are pitching for the account. Smyth will oversee the review.

Calvin Klein Cosmetics incorporates fragrances such as CK One, Eternity and Contradiction, which it launched in March with an ad campaign starring Christy Turlington.