The Independent Beauty Association (IBA) has appointed Dr. Akemi Ooka as the Interim CEO, effective July 1. Ooka succeeds Don Frey, who is retiring after over 40 years in the cosmetics and personal care industry, including three years as CEO of IBA.

Ooka currently serves as IBA’s Vice President of Global Supply Chain and Sustainability Resources and has over 20 years of experience in the CPG industry.

Her expertise spans product development, sourcing, and supply chain transformation at companies such as The Clorox Company, method, and J.R. Watkins. 

Ooka joined the IBA in 2021 and has since led the association’s Global Supply Chain and Sustainability programming, education, and advocacy efforts.

IBA Board Chair Dan Kolhoff, said, 

“Akemi’s extensive industry experience, including in product development, supply chain, and procurement leadership roles – and the keen operational and strategic vision she’s brought to IBA – make her ideally suited to lead the association forward at a pivotal moment for independent beauty businesses.”

Frey has an extensive career developing innovative products as an R&D Leader for P&G, Jafra Cosmetics, Avon, method, and The Honest Company. 

He also served as Chair for Beauty Industry West and held advisory positions with The Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute. Frey served four years on the IBA Board before being appointed President.

Frey commented,

“As IBA continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of the Beauty Industry, I am excited to have Akemi Ooka take over leadership of the Association. Akemi represents the next generation of leaders for the industry. She is perfectly suited to make sure IBA grows and supports our members as regulations, social media, global trade, sustainability, and AI are dramatically changing how products are developed, and business is done.”

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