Executive Team
Janet Gurwitch CEO and Founder, Gurwitch Products
Janet Gurwitch is the CEO and founder of Gurwitch Products, the company that produces, manages and markets Laura Mercier Cosmetics and Skincare, a global brand of high-end niche cosmetics now celebrating its eleventh anniversary. Gurwitch manages and oversees Laura Mercier's day-to-day business operations, as well as strategy development and retail negotiations.
Gurwitch joined forces with famed makeup-artist Laura Mercier in 1996, after realizing the imminent paradigm shift in the beauty industry, propelling niche lines to the forefront of the cosmetics business. The combination of Gurwitch's business savvy and foresight coupled with Mercier's talent has provided a solid basis for a strong, growing business based on technique and a high-quality product.
Now available in over 600 stores in 32 countries, the Laura Mercier line includes an extensive color collection, a skincare line, a bath and body collection, an instructional video and website, which will cumulatively gross $185 million at retail in 2007.
Prior to founding Gurwitch Products, Janet Gurwitch was the Executive Vice President of Merchandising at Neiman Marcus, where she set the strategy for and oversaw the ready to wear, accessories, shoes and cosmetics departments from 1992-1995. Gurwitch began her career at Foley's department store where she remained for 18 years, the last five of which she was the Senior Vice President of Merchandising overseeing the merchandising of women's dresses, intimate apparel, junior sportswear and children's wear.
In 1999, Gurwitch was named a finalist for Ernst & Young's "Entrepreneur of the Year Award" for Houston, TX and in 1994 Business Week included her as one of the "Top 50 Chief Executive Prospects in the Nation".
Gurwitch is on the Boards of the University of Texas Health Science Center and the Girl Scouts of America. She resides in Houston, Texas, where the company is based.
