NEW YORK, Nov. 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Fekkai Brands LLC (Fekkai) and LUXE Brands LLC (LUXE) announced today that Joel B. Ronkin is joining Fekkai and LUXE as their Chief Executive Officer effective December 1, 2015. Mr. Ronkin has built a strong reputation in the beauty industry during his more than 16-year career at Elizabeth Arden, Inc. (Elizabeth Arden), a leading global prestige beauty company, including, most recently, as its President, Global Fragrances. In his role as Chief Executive Officer, Joel will oversee all of the day-to-day operations of Fekkai and LUXE and will be responsible for spearheading the growth of Fekkai's leading luxury hair care and salon business, as well as expanding the LUXE portfolio globally.
While at Elizabeth Arden, Mr. Ronkin was responsible for overseeing all aspects of Elizabeth Arden's Global Fragrances portfolio, including its more than 300 fragrance brands, as well as managing Elizabeth Arden's North America business. During his tenure, Joel helped Elizabeth Arden become one of the world's foremost fragrance companies, including becoming the leading provider of prestige fragrances to mass retail accounts in the U.S., the fragrance category manager for many of the largest retailers in North America and the primary distributor for many other beauty companies in the U.S. mass channel. He also helped build an industry leading fragrance portfolio, which included such brands as Juicy Couture, John Varvatos, Elizabeth Taylor, Britney Spears and Curve. Additionally, Joel played an integral role in Elizabeth Arden's acquisition of a number of key brands, licenses and businesses.
Fekkai and LUXE also announced that Amy Sachs is joining as the Chief Commercial Officer. Ms. Sachs has served in ever-increasing managerial capacities at Elizabeth Arden over the last 16 years, including as its current Senior Vice President, Mid Tier and Chain Drug.
Tony Bajaj, Manager of Fekkai and LUXE, said, "We have worked with and known Joel for many years. After acquiring Fekkai in June of this year, we immediately identified Joel as the perfect person to partner with us as we look to take Fekkai and LUXE to the next level. Also, we see this as a great opportunity to further strengthen our already strong and long-standing relationship with Elizabeth Arden, particularly as it pertains to the distribution of some of the brands in our fragrance portfolio." Dilesh Mehta, also a Manager of Fekkai and LUXE, added, "We could not be more excited to be partnering with Joel and Amy as we work to build the Fekkai and LUXE Brands into global beauty players."
Mr. Ronkin stated, "While my relationships with Tony and Dilesh initially attracted me to this opportunity, the potential of this unique portfolio of brands sealed the deal for me. We intend to build the Fekkai brand, with the active involvement of Frederic Fekkai himself, into the global leader in luxury hair care and to continue to develop each of the LUXE brands. On a personal note, although it was very difficult to leave Elizabeth Arden, which has meant so much to me, I am confident that we will find ways for the companies to work together in the future."
About Fekkai Brands LLC
Fekkai Brands LLC is the leader in luxury hair care, offering a complete range of innovative products and exclusive, full-service salons. Fekkai products are distributed through leading beauty retailers in North America and Frederic Fekkai Salons in New York City, California, Connecticut, Florida, St. Barths and Texas.
About LUXE Brands LLC
LUXE Brands LLC is a prestige beauty company with a portfolio of brands distributed in over 70 countries. It was founded with the mission to develop world-class brands that will endure. The company plans to continue to expand its diverse brand portfolio and establish a solid foundation in the beauty industry. LUXE Brands' portfolio includes Ariana Grande, Josie Natori and Hawaiian Tropic and the distribution rights in North America for DDF, Institute Arnaud, Jean Patou and Porsche Design.
