Cosmetics Europe elects Oswald Barckhahn as new President
Today, at its 2026 General Assembly, Cosmetics Europe, the European trade association representing the cosmetics and personal care industry, elected Oswald Barckhahn of Beiersdorf AG as its new President and Benedetto Lavino of Cosmetica Italia as its new Vice-President. The Cosmetics Europe leadership team also includes a newly elected Treasurer, Tony Lorman of Edgewell.
“I am grateful to be elected President of Cosmetics Europe at such an important time for our industry. The European cosmetics and personal care sector plays a vital role in people’s daily lives and in Europe’s economy. We are operating in an increasingly complex regulatory landscape that affects our businesses and the ability of European companies to compete globally. Ensuring that policymakers recognise the importance of our products and prioritise the needs of our consumers and businesses requires a strong presence from our companies both in Brussels and across EU Member States. My goal is for Cosmetics Europe to show up as a high-performing industry platform that protects the value of our industry and strengthens our competitiveness in Europe” said Oswald Barckhahn, new President of Cosmetics Europe.
Oswald Barckhahn succeeds Birgit Huber, Deputy Director at IKW, the German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association, who has served as Cosmetics Europe Acting President since June 2025.
Oswald Barckhahn has been a member of the Executive Board of Beiersdorf AG since 2021, leading the company’s business in Europe and North America, as well as its global luxury division. Before joining Beiersdorf, Barckhahn held senior leadership roles at PepsiCo, Jacobs Douwe Egberts and Procter & Gamble across Europe and the Americas.
The two-year mandate of the new Cosmetics Europe leadership team takes effect on 17 June 2026.
Cosmetics Europe thanks its outgoing Acting President, Birgit Huber, for her leadership and commitment during her mandate.
Media enquiries
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