Mark Curry Returns as CEO of The Inkey List
In a significant leadership reshuffle, Mark Curry, co-founder of The Inkey List, is set to return as the Chief Executive Officer. Curry, who had previously stepped back from the day-to-day management of the company, will now lead the beauty brand into its next phase of growth.
Stephanie Davis Michelman, who joined The Inkey List in 2023 after her tenure at Benefit Cosmetics, will be stepping down with immediate effect. During her time at the company, Michelman played a vital role in professionalising the business and broadening its geographical reach. She worked in close collaboration with the brand’s founders to enhance brand recognition and expand its consumer base.
Colette Laxton, who co-founded the brand alongside Curry, will maintain her role in overseeing brand guardianship and consumer engagement. The duo founded The Inkey List in 2018, with a mission to demystify skincare by cutting through marketing jargon and focusing on the benefits of active ingredients. This straightforward approach has been key to the brand’s rapid growth and prominence in the global skincare market.
The Inkey List’s minimalist strategy, which emphasises single hero ingredients per product, has been foundational to its success, making it easier for consumers to understand and select products that meet their needs. This educational approach is also reflected in the brand’s packaging and online platforms, which offer detailed explanations and usage tips for each product.
In February 2022, following nearly 600% growth in its first three years, The Inkey List secured a significant minority investment from Aria Growth Partners to support further international expansion and continue making skincare solutions more accessible. To date, the brand has sold over 60 million units and is reportedly nearing a revenue milestone of $100 million.
This leadership announcement follows the brand’s recent expansion into body care, which was marked by the launch of the Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick and PHA Exfoliating and Hydrating Body Water Cream.