Maria Dempsey has been appointed Chief Executive Officer for NEST Fragrances, succeeding Nancy McKay who stepped down from the position in October 2018. A respected industry veteran, Maria has more than 25 years of experience and was tapped by the company due to her proven track record of executive and organizational leadership, strategic brand vision and innovative retail and digital successes.

“Since the launch of NEST Fragrances in 2008, we have enjoyed enormous success and significant year-over-year growth,” said Laura Slatkin, Founder and Executive Chairman of NEST Fragrances. “As a result of the tremendous interest in the brand from both our existing and potential customers, we have a meaningful opportunity to develop additional product categories, increase our digital penetration, and expand our international footprint. In order to appropriately capitalize on these opportunities, we require a capable and driven CEO who can organize and position the company for accelerated growth over the next few years. I believe that person is Maria Dempsey. Not only is she an innovative business strategist and dynamic leader, she is also a straight shooter who is ready to roll up her sleeves and hit the ground running. I look forward to working with Maria to help shape a bright future for NEST Fragrances.”

Maria most recently served as Clarins Executive Vice President of Marketing for the Americas, United Kingdom, and Travel Retail, where she was also a member of the Executive Leadership team, and helped to conceive, develop and execute all brand, digital and retail initiatives. Prior to that role, from 2008 to 2017, she held several other senior and executive-level management positions at Clarins. Before joining Clarins, Maria was President and Board Chair of her own hair care start-up, HM Mane Solutions, which was sold to Zotos International, Inc. in 2007. Other past positions include Vice President of Marketing for John Frieda Hair Care from 1999 to 2003, and Vice President of Marketing, Facial Skincare, Sun, Body and Fragrances for L’Oréal’s Lancôme brand in 1997.

“I am thrilled to be joining NEST Fragrances and I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to help guide and grow this amazing brand,” said Maria. “I am so impressed with what Laura and her team have built over the years: NEST Fragrances is an aspirational yet accessible luxury brand that truly ‘elevates the everyday,’ has a fast-growing legion of loyal fans, and has significant potential to become even more relevant, desirable, and successful. With the enthusiastic support of Jill Granoff and her team at Eurazeo Brands, I look forward to partnering with Laura and the entire team at NEST Fragrances to get to work. There is a lot to be excited about and many good things to come!”