Janet Gurwitch

Janet Gurwitch is a prominent American businesswoman and investor, currently serving as an Operating Partner at Advent International, a leading private equity firm based in Boston. Her focus at Advent is primarily on the beauty and wellness consumer sector, where she leverages her extensive experience in the industry to guide investment strategies and brand development.12

Career Highlights

• Founder and Former CEO of Laura Mercier Cosmetics: Gurwitch founded Laura Mercier in 1996, establishing it as a high-end cosmetics brand recognized for its quality and innovative products. She played a crucial role in the brand's strategy, operations, and market positioning until its sale in 2008 to Shiseido Corporation.135
• Previous Roles: Before launching Laura Mercier, Gurwitch was the Executive Vice President at Neiman Marcus from 1992 to 1995, where she was instrumental in developing the merchandising strategy for the retail chain.34 She also has served on the boards of various beauty brands, including Drybar and Urban Decay Cosmetics.34
• Recent Developments: In a significant move, Advent International announced the acquisition of Laura Mercier along with other brands for $700 million, with Gurwitch advising on this transaction and continuing her involvement with the brand she originally built.5

Recognition

In November 2023, Janet Gurwitch was inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame, acknowledging her contributions to the business landscape and her impact on the beauty industry.12

Personal Background

Gurwitch hails from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and is a graduate of the University of Alabama. Her career began in retail at Foley's department store in Houston, Texas, where she quickly ascended to senior vice president of merchandising before moving on to Neiman Marcus.4

Janet Gurwitch's expertise and leadership continue to influence the beauty sector significantly, making her a noteworthy figure in both private equity and cosmetics industries.