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Mary van Praag
Chief Executive Officer at Milani Cosmetics
Mary van Praag is the Chief Executive Officer of Milani Cosmetics, a position she has held since August 2020. With over 30 years of experience in the beauty and retail industries, she has a notable background that includes leadership roles at major companies such as Revlon, OPI, Coty, and Johnson & Johnson. Before joining Milani, she served as the President of Soma, an intimate apparel brand owned by Chico’s FAS.12
Under her leadership, Milani Cosmetics has undergone significant transformation, focusing on innovation and expanding its market presence. Van Praag was recruited during the COVID-19 pandemic, a challenging period for the beauty industry as consumer behavior shifted dramatically. She emphasizes the importance of adapting to trends and maintaining a strong connection with customers.13
Van Praag is recognized for her contributions to female leadership in retail and has been featured in various leadership panels and keynote speeches. She has received multiple accolades, including being named one of the Top Women in Retail and receiving the Brand Builder of the Year award from WWD Beauty Inc..24
Her educational background includes a degree from Miami University, and she is actively involved in initiatives that promote diversity and women's empowerment within the industry.2
