João Paulo Ferreira: the CEO of Natura &Co
The sustainability-focused beauty titan
João Paulo Ferreira is the current Chief Executive Officer of Natura &Co, a global leader in the manufacturing and distribution of products for skin, hair, body and home care. As CEO, he is committed to transforming the company into a company that has a meaningful and lasting impact on society, from producing sustainable and ethical products to leading a groundbreaking global marketing campaign. Through his dynamic leadership, Ferreira is creating an industry paradigm-shift from a conventional model of production and consumption to one that embraces sustainability, innovation, and respect for nature and human rights.
Ferreira was appointed CEO of Natura &Co in June 2018, when the company was created through the merger of Natura, Aesop, and The Body Shop. This was a transformative event; the merger created the fourth-largest beauty group in the world, with combined sales of over US$10 billion and present in 71 countries and more than 10000 points of sale.
Early life and career
João Paulo Ferreira was born in Brazil, the son of a Portuguese businessman. He earned a degree in engineering from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in Porto Alegre and a Master of Business Administration in the US.
His business career has spanned over three decades. After completing his studies he worked for 13 years in strategic planning and corporate finance for Camargo Correa, one of the biggest and most respected construction companies in Brazil. He was then recruited by Quilmes Industrial to lead the company’s process of internationalization. In 2002 he joined Grupo Pão de Açúcar, one of the biggest retailers in South America, as chief executive officer.
Leadership at Natura &Co
During his tenure as CEO of Natura &Co, Ferreira has been a driving force in transforming the company into a multinational beauty titan with a commitment to sustainability and respect for nature and human rights. In 2018, Ferreira led the company to become the first publicly traded company globally to receive the CDP Climate Change ‘A’ rating. This means that the company has demonstrated a clear commitment to sustainable practices to reduce its carbon footprint and its impact on the environment.
Furthermore, Ferreira is spearheading a revolutionary marketing initiative called “Beauty to the Rescue”. This campaign empowers consumers to join Natura &Co’s cause by buying their products and contributing to a global donation of US$1 million to be invested in partnership with local communities, NGOs and global welfare organisations.
Ferreira has also been instrumental in driving Natura &Co’s focus on social and environmental sustainability. The company was one of the first in its industry to reduce the use of plastic packaging, as well as to switch to using sustainable ingredients in its products. In addition, the company has committed to reducing its carbon dioxide emissions by 32% by 2020.
The Future of Natura &Co
Under the leadership of João Paulo Ferreira, Natura &Co is well-positioned to become a global leader in sustainability, innovation, and respect for nature and human rights. Ferrerira is committed to transforming the company into one that can have a meaningful impact on society, from its production and consumption methods to the marketing campaigns it launches. Moreover, Ferreira’s commitment to sustainability is helping the company to create a positive legacy for democratic and sustainable development.
João Paulo Ferreira’s leadership at Natura &Co is helping to transform the beauty industry for a more sustainable and ethical world. His commitment to sustainable practices, innovation, and respect for nature and human rights is driving the company towards a future of real social impact. With his guidance, Natura &Co is ready to become an industry leader in sustainability.
