Kao USA Inc. Appoints Karen Frank and Jesse Grissom to New Leadership Roles

CINCINNATI, March 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Kao USA Inc. has named Karen Frank President of Mass Business for the Americas and European region and Jesse Grissom, President of Operations in the Americas region.  Kao Corporation is the leading Consumer Products Company in Japan, and is rich in tradition and Japanese culture. This announcement marks two important milestones for the company, Karen Frank is the first woman and Jesse Grissom is the first African-American to hold these senior level positions within Kao. 

Karen and Jesse will be working closely together to ensure the Mass Business, which includes the brands Jergens, John Frieda Hair Care and Bioré, is positioned for growth. These new appointments signify a new organizational structure, with the Mass sector led by Karen and supported operationally by Jesse. The purpose of this new design is to ensure clearer roles and responsibilities, empowering faster decision-making and readying the organization for growth. It also represents Kao's commitment to strengthen their global diversity efforts.

Prior to January, Karen had a dual role as General Manager, US Sales and Marketing and Americas and Europe Innovation for the Mass Channel. In her new role, she adds the President title and assumes direct responsibility over the entire Mass Channel for the Americas and European region.

Jesse will oversee the leaders of Supply Chain, HR, IT, Legal, and Finance, which support the Mass Business Sector, in addition to the Salon and Molton Brown businesses.

About KAO USA Inc.:
Kao USA Inc. is a leading manufacturer of premium beauty care brands that are recognized around the world for their innovation and quality. The Kao USA Inc. portfolio includes; Jergens® and Curel® hand and body lotions; Biore® facial care; John Frieda® hair care, Ban® antiperspirants, as well as Goldwell, KMS and Oribe professional hair care and Molton Brown products for body and home. Founded in 1882, Kao USA Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kao Corporation.

SOURCE Kao USA Inc.