Elizabeth Arden chief exits to launch branding agency

Elizabeth Arden communications chief Susan Taylor is leaving the company after 16 years to launch her own branding and communications company. She will leave the luxury cosmetics brand at the end of July.

Taylor has been vice president of international communications since late 2006. Her remit covers all communications designed to strengthen the Elizabeth Arden brand across its portfolio, and incorporates corporate social responsibility programmes.

She says that she resigned from her post last November to allow an “appropriate” notice period. She has yet to be replaced.

Taylor first joined Elizabeth Arden in 1992, when she was appointed managing director of UK and Ireland, adding the Nordic region about four years later.

Prior to Elizabeth Arden, she had been general manager at Yardley of London for eight years.

Taylor says she plans to continue her involvement with the beauty industry charity, Look Good… Feel Better, which helps women combat the visible side-effects of cancer.

The charity provides make-up workshops and other support services aimed to help build sufferers’ self-esteem.

Taylor has been involved with the charity, which is supported by many major cosmetics and beauty companies, since it was founded 14 years ago, and currently serves as chairman.