Jerome Bellony, Managing Director of Clarins Australia & New Zealand, stands at the helm of one of the most respected beauty brands in the world. With a career that spans diverse roles and regions, Bellony brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of what it takes to thrive in a competitive, ever-evolving industry. His journey, marked by strategic insight, operational excellence, and a strong alignment with Clarins’ core values, provides a compelling blueprint for success.
“My roles as CFO, COO, and Regional Sales Director have given me a strong foundation to understand the business from all angles,” Bellony explains. “These experiences helped me develop a well-rounded perspective, balancing financial strategy, operational efficiency, and customer-driven sales. They have shaped me into a strong generalist, allowing me to make informed decisions and lead Clarins Australia & New Zealand with both strategic insight and operational focus.”
Reflecting on his tenure as Deputy Vice-President for the Asia-Pacific region, Bellony recalls the challenges of managing diverse markets across vast geographies. “At the time, the China market was not as developed, and communication tools were not as advanced, which made business travel essential,” he shares. “Leading teams across multiple countries required adaptability and a hands-on approach.” These experiences, he says, were pivotal in shaping his leadership style. “They taught me the importance of cultural sensitivity, clear communication, and building personal relationships to establish trust. I learned to adapt to the unique dynamics of each market while ensuring a cohesive, unified strategy.”
Since joining Clarins, Bellony has found his personal and professional values perfectly aligned with those of the company. “From the day I joined Clarins, I have experienced a full synchronisation between my personal values and the core values of the Clarins Group: Respect, Authenticity, Cooperation, Audacity, and Passion,” he notes. “These values not only guide our daily work but also serve as a foundation for validating any business decision we make. Respect for people and the planet, authenticity in our actions and products, cooperation within our teams and with our partners, audacity in pushing boundaries, and passion for what we do—these principles ensure that every decision we make aligns with both our mission and our commitment to delivering excellence.”
Bellony’s financial acumen has also been a critical factor in driving Clarins’ success in the region. “At Clarins, our strength lies in making smart, strategic investments that deliver the highest return on investment and have a positive impact on the business,” he explains. “By closely analysing financial data and market trends, we can optimise our efficiency and prioritise initiatives that align with our brand values. Whether it’s expanding our retail footprint, enhancing our product offerings, or reinforcing our commitment to sustainability, it’s about being precise and strategic—making every investment count, and ensuring that each decision contributes to the continued growth and legacy of Clarins.”
As Clarins celebrates 70 years of innovation and excellence, Bellony reflects on the key factors behind the brand’s enduring success. “Clarins’ enduring success and reputation stem from our commitment to listening to our clients, pioneering CRM in beauty, and constantly refining our products to meet evolving needs,” he says. “Our dedication to innovation, with research labs in France and Shanghai, ensures we blend plant based ingredients with cutting-edge science. Additionally, by maintaining full control over production in our French factory, we guarantee the highest quality in every product. These factors—client-centricity, relentless innovation, and uncompromising quality—have solidified Clarins as a global beauty leader over the past 70 years.”
Bellony is keenly aware of the changing landscape of the beauty industry and how Clarins must adapt to meet new consumer expectations. “Today’s consumers want products that not only deliver results but also align with their values, such as eco-consciousness and natural ingredients,” he explains. “In response, Clarins is continuously innovating to offer natural, effective formulations that combine the best of plant-based science and advanced research. We also offer an omnichannel experience, allowing customers to connect with Clarins seamlessly, whether online, in boutiques, or at counters. This ensures a consistent, high-quality experience.”
The recent launch of Clarins’ first standalone boutique in Sydney reflects the company’s dedication to providing personalised beauty experiences. “The launch of our boutique reflects Jacques Courtin-Clarins’ philosophy of connecting with clients on a deeply personal level, emphasising 100% proximity and the ability to truly listen to their needs,” Bellony says. “Our boutique aims to create an immersive environment where clients can experience our brand values firsthand through exclusive, personalised facials and makeup services designed with care and precision. Jacques Courtin-Clarins would likely be proudest of how his legacy lives on in these personal, client-focused experiences, which capture his vision for beauty that cares, listens, and constantly innovates to bring out the best in everyone.”
The boutique also showcases Clarins’ commitment to sustainability. “Considerations are made in the design materials used, from sustainably sourced wood fixtures to recycled materials,” Bellony says. “In recent years, we have updated many Clarins products, such as incorporating a larger percentage of organic ingredients and ensuring recyclability to reduce plastic waste. With the latest version of Double Serum, for example, the bottle has been redesigned with an eco-friendly approach, containing 94% recyclable materials to minimise its carbon footprint.”
Clarins’ commitment to responsible beauty extends beyond product design. “Throughout the year, specific promotions highlight the many organisations Clarins collaborates with and supports,” Bellony explains. “From Mary’s Meals, which offers school meals to children in need, to Seeds of Beauty, which protects nature and biodiversity by planting trees, these initiatives reflect our dedication to passing on a more beautiful planet.”
Looking ahead, Bellony has ambitious goals for Clarins in Australia and New Zealand. “Our primary goal in the coming years is to continue strengthening our position as a leader in skincare while accelerating the growth of our makeup segment to become a key player in the market,” he says. “We have already built a solid reputation for our premium skincare products, and now we are focused on expanding our makeup offerings, leveraging our expertise in skin benefits and high-performance ingredients to meet the evolving demands of our customers. Our goal is to solidify Clarins as a holistic beauty brand that leads in both skincare and makeup while remaining committed to innovation, sustainability, and responsible beauty.”
Bellony is particularly passionate about expanding Clarins’ network of standalone boutiques. “Our first boutique in Sydney has demonstrated the power of creating immersive brand experiences that foster deeper connections with our customers,” he notes. “I’m hopeful to develop this further, offering personalised experiences and showcasing Clarins’ values in a unique way.”
As the company continues to innovate, Bellony remains inspired by Clarins’ dedication to plant-based ingredients and holistic wellness. “The Clarins approach to beauty comes across strongly in our motto: ‘making life more beautiful,’ which speaks to people feeling more comfortable in their own skin in order to care for themselves and the world around them,” he says. “To be holistic also means to offer skin and body care solutions. It’s one thing to treat stress lines on the face; it’s quite another to relieve stress and tension for the body and mind. At Clarins, we aim to do both.”
Under Bellony’s leadership, Clarins is poised to continue redefining beauty with purpose and passion, staying true to its heritage while meeting the evolving needs of its customers. Through innovation, sustainability, and a commitment to excellence, the brand remains a shining example of how beauty can inspire and empower. “At the heart of everything we do is the desire to make life more beautiful,” Bellony concludes, “for our customers, our communities, and the planet.
This article was first published in the Summer ’25 issue of Retail Beauty:
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