L’Oréal names Jesus Abia managing director travel retail for Asia-Pacific

L’Oréal has made a change to its travel retail division’s top hierarchy in the Asia-Pacific region. On July 1, Jesus Abia will assume the role of managing director travel retail Asia-Pacific, succeeding Tao Zhang, who has held this post since July 2022.

Abia is currently the managing director Europe for the Prada, Valentino, Mugler and Viktor & Rolf lines at L’Oréal. He joined the group 14 years ago, working initially at its Spanish subsidiary. In 2012, he joined the Lancôme travel retail team for the Americas region, and in 2016 he was appointed head of marketing travel retail for Giorgio Armani and other designer brands. In 2019, Abia returned to Europe as managing director for the Yves Saint Laurent Beauty and Biotherm brands in Spain and Portugal.

Tao Zhang has been working at the L’Oréal group for 24 years, and information about his new role will be provided at a later date. In a press release, L’Oréal said he is expected to assume “an important role within the group.”

In Q1 2024, L’Oréal recorded an 8.3% increase in revenue, to €11.24 billion, despite a shortfall in northern Asia.