By Lezlee Westine
President & CEO

The transition to a new year offers the chance for pause and reflection, closing one chapter while opening a new one. As I begin a new chapter – re-focusing my attention on political, business and philanthropic opportunities – I am taking time to reflect on my 14 rewarding years as president and CEO of the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC). 

I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together and grateful for the opportunity to work with a team whose dedication to excellence has driven our industry, our communities and our world to be more beautiful, sustainable and inclusive. Throughout my career, I have been guided by principles that not only shaped my leadership but contributed to our shared accomplishments:

• Foster collaboration and break down barriers.
• Encourage and trust in your team to deliver results; there’s more than one way to get there.
• Focus on results, balancing flexibility with a clear vision of success.
• Recruit the brightest minds, nurture their talents and support them through challenges.
• Live by the Golden Rule, treating everyone with respect and fairness.

These principles have served as the bedrock of our shared journey at PCPC, which has included significant milestones. One year ago, we celebrated the landmark enactment of The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) of 2022, a crowning achievement of our collective advocacy that established a new era of cosmetics regulation. This historic legislation is a testament to our ongoing commitment to safety, transparency and innovation.

Our concerted efforts to champion sustainability have been equally impactful. By broadening our approach to include environmental stewardship, social responsibility and economic impact, we’ve spurred the exchange of industry best practices and strengthened our relationships with key stakeholders. PCPC’s 2021 “Creating a More Beautiful World” sustainability report and the complementary Sustainability Handbook guide and showcase these efforts. 

Our sustainability efforts also include advancing our industry’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). We’ve made important strides to diversify our staff and membership and to educate our community about the importance of embracing diversity. In 2021, we launched the Madam C.J. Walker Award to recognize individuals in our industry who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to fostering inclusivity and equality. The third award, which honors industry pioneer Madam C.J. Walker who started her hair care business at the turn of the century during a time when women of color had few rights and little opportunity, will be presented at the 2024 Annual Meeting in Coral Gables, Fla.

Our global advocacy has forged critical partnerships that have extended PCPC’s reach and influence. By uniting with over 40 international trade associations in the beauty and personal care sector, we’ve given the industry a powerful and collective voice to address global challenges.

As I prepare for my next chapter, I am filled with deep gratitude for these last 14 years and significant accomplishments and energized by the potential to contribute to initiatives that promote democracy, forge business alliances and empower the next generation of leaders.

I am delighted to pass the baton to Tom Myers, a valued and trusted advisor and colleague, as PCPC’s new president and CEO. I look forward to watching from afar as PCPC continues to set the standard for excellence and lead the industry forward.

Here’s to a more beautiful, sustainable and inclusive world.