The elegance of leadership: Harvinder Harchand’s success in the cosmetics industry

The success and impact of the cosmetics industry

In a global era in which we are all connected, it is easy to observe new trends in fashion and good dressing in all parts of the world. It’s no secret that people today care more about their appearance and the health of their skin. This undoubtedly tells us how the cosmetics industry has become a fundamental pillar for the modern economy. And this process has no turning back.

The truth is that although there are more and more people interested in purchasing cosmetics for health and beauty reasons, the competition in the industry is fierce and frightening. According to McKinsey & Company, “the beauty market generated approximately $430 billion in revenue.” A leader in this area must have a firm determination and a visionary perspective to anticipate what consumers will look for and how to satisfy their needs.

To get an idea of innovation, strategy and planning in the cosmetics industry, we must look at a success story. Dr. Harvinder Harchand is synonymous with all these characteristics and much more. Born in Ipoh, Perak in 1973, she is the current Director of Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics, Malaysia which has had tremendous growth since she has taken over.

The success of Dr. Harvinder

Before being appointed for the role of Director of Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics Malaysia, Dr. Harchand had to build her career from scratch. Her professional trajectory began as a Flight Stewardess for Malaysia Airlines (1992-2003). Changing careers to hospitality, she served as the Sales Manager at Mutiara Hotel Kuala Lumpur (2003-2004), where she led a team to achieve sales objectives through exceptional customer service. From July 2004 to January 2014, Harvinder held the position of Senior Business Development Manager at Valiram Group, negotiating deals (leasing with landlords) and managing store setups, including those for Bath & Body Works, Victoria’s Secret, Micheal Kors, Tumi, Rolex, IWC and other brands handled by the group in various local and international locations. She was also in charge of registration and notification procedures for fragrances and cosmetics with the National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau in Malaysia and various FDA across several countries, including Indonesia (BPOM), Thailand (FDA), Philippines (FDA), Singapore (HSA) and Australia (Nicnas).

Continuing her journey at Valiram Group, she became the Assistant Vice President for Business Development (2014-2016), contributing to real estate projects and conducting market analyses across Southeast Asia and China. In 2017, she assumed the role of Director at Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics Malaysia, where she has overseen operations and achieved significant milestones, including opening five exclusive Lush branches during the pandemic.

Harvinder’s education has also been an outstanding element for her professional success. She has done studies in accounting from Stamford College (1992-1994, Kepong, Malaysia), as well as she’s got a Diploma in Teaching Children with Learning Disabilities and Child Psychology from the College of Allied Educators (2012-2013, Singapore) and a Master of Business Administration with Merit from Anglia Ruskin University (2016-2017, Cambridge, United Kingdom).

Recognition of an exemplary career: EIU-Paris’ Professional Doctorate

Harvinder has received recognition for her achievements, including being a judge panel member for the Intervarsity Corporate Strategy Challenge 2023 by the University of Malaya Accounting Club. She has also been featured in various media outlets such as The H Channel, The Edge, Tatler, and Life in the ‘LUSH’ lane, showcasing her expertise and contributions to the cosmetics industry. In her commitment to ethical retail and sustainable practices, Harvinder authored an article that is featured on eTail.

Recently, Dr. Harvinder has earned a Professional Doctorate (PD) from the European International University-Paris.  The PD is awarded to all candidates who have completed the VAE process and successfully assessed by a committee at EIU-Paris. VAE is French for “Validation des acquis de l’Expérience” (“Recognition of prior knowledge and experience”), a procedure in which the candidate must submit a portfolio of evidence. The VAE committee evaluates the candidate’s work experience, skills and competencies. Therefore, in many ways, this academic achievement is considered an honorary degree that exalts the legacy and impact of an outstanding career for those who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and proficiency in their field.

According to Harvinder, “For me, there have never been any excuses. I have been driven by a sense of purpose to work toward my goals over the years. With the PD of the EIU-Paris, I feel that the efforts of a lifetime are recognized. I thank the institution for the privilege and the opportunity as they’ve helped me become a better business woman.”

As a ranked business school (#55 globally and 11th in Europe on CEOWORLD Magazine), EIU-Paris helps students from all backgrounds and circumstances reach their full potential. Whether pursuing a bachelor’s degree, an MBA or even a PhD, we have the most qualified academic staff to give our students a boost like no other educational institution. We value all kinds of talent and reinforce these skills in training and academic recognition.

The famous Venezuelan-American fashion designer Carolina Herrera once said that “Elegance isn’t solely defined by what you wear. It’s how you carry yourself, how you speak, what you read.” We believe that Dr. Harvinder Harchand is elegant not only for her sense of style but her brilliant vision and leadership skills in the cosmetics industry.

References

• The beauty market in 2023: A special State of Fashion report. (2023, May 22). McKinsey & Company. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/the-beauty-market-in-2023-a-special-state-of-fashion-report

Submitted by Alessandro Odoardi on 09.01.2024