Body Shop CEO exits after sale completion

Ian Bickley, who’s been interim CEO of The Body Shop since last spring, has exited with immediate effect, a report said on Tuesday.

A deal was struck last year for the ethical beauty firm to be sold by Brazil’s Natura &Co to private equity group Aurelius. Now that deal with the owner of the Footasylum brand has completed, and Bickley has left his role with the new owner thanking him for his turnaround leadership.

A statement released by The Body Shop to Retail Week said: “Ian was a member of former owner Natura &Co’s board when he stepped into the interim CEO role in April 2023, tasked with transitioning The Body Shop to a more stable footing. In taking initial steps to turn around The Body Shop’s performance and steering the business through the sale process, he has achieved his goal. Now Aurelius is in place as the new owners, it is time to hand over leadership.”

There’s no news so far on who will replace Bickley but the chain is working with its owner on developing “a strong, long-term strategy” for the business.

The statement also said a new chief executive will be appointed “in due course”.

Aurelius bought the business in a deal valuing it at £207 million, much lower than the €1 billion value placed on it when L’Oréal sold it to Natura in 2017.