Sue Youcef Nabi is a name synonymous with innovation and transformation in the global beauty industry. Born on February 13, 1968, to an engineer, politician, and artist father and a mother who taught French, Nabi's upbringing in Algeria instilled in her a rich blend of cultural influences that would later shape her entrepreneurial journey.
Her educational path took her to ENGEES, where she received an engineering degree, and then, in 1991, she graduated from ESSEC Business School with an advanced master's in marketing management. These foundations would prove instrumental in her meteoric rise within the beauty industry.
In 1993, Nabi embarked on her career at L'Oréal, beginning as a retail sales representative for Jacques Dessange Professional Hair Care in South-West France. Her ascent was swift and dynamic, holding key positions such as Mennen Brand Manager (Gemey-Maybelline) and eventually becoming the General Manager of L'Oreal France.
However, it was in 2005 that Nabi truly left an indelible mark on L'Oréal. As the Worldwide President of L'Oréal Paris, she revolutionized the brand's image by championing beauty diversity. Her campaigns featured an array of faces, from the legendary Jane Fonda to the Asian icon Gong Li, ushering in a new era of inclusivity in beauty advertising.
Under her visionary leadership, iconic products like Casting Crème Gloss Hair Color, Total Repair 5 hair care line, Glam Shine, Color Riche lip Color Star Secrets line, Telescopic, and Double Extend mascaras were launched and met with resounding success.
In 2009, at just 41 years old, Nabi took the helm of Lancôme, a brand facing a decline in L'Oréal's luxury products division. Through strategic collaborations with renowned photographer Mario Testino and the signing of A-list celebrities like Emma Watson and Lily Collins, Nabi breathed new life into the Lancôme brand. Her tenure saw the introduction of groundbreaking products, including Visionnaire Serum and the critically acclaimed "La Vie est belle" perfume endorsed by Julia Roberts.
In 2013, after a transformative journey within L'Oréal, she embarked on a new chapter by relocating to London and co-founding Orveda, a vegan skincare brand rooted in Taoism, Naturopathy, and Ayurveda. The brand, co-created with business partner Nicolas Vu, quickly gained traction for its holistic approach to skincare.
Her dedication and accomplishments caught the attention of industry leaders, leading to her appointment as CEO of Coty Inc. in July 2020. This move marked a new phase in her illustrious career, further solidifying her status as a trailblazing force in the beauty world.
Beyond her professional achievements, Nabi's story is one of cultural fusion, unwavering determination, and a commitment to redefining beauty standards. Her legacy serves as an inspiration for future generations, proving that with vision, innovation, and a passion for positive change, one can truly leave an indelible mark on the world.