Now Steering L'Oreal's U.S. Business

Margaret Sharkey has been named senior vp, strategic business development, at the New York-based luxury products division of L'Oreal USA.

Sharkey will report to division president Edgar Huber.

In her new capacity, says the company, Sharkey “will be responsible for identifying emerging consumer trends and new product technologies, competitive intelligence and potential acquisitions.”

Sharkey began her career with L'Oreal in 1976 as Lancome marketing manager. She has since served the company as vp of marketing for Lancome; general manager of Biotherm; senior vp, deputy gm, of Lancome; gm of Helena Rubinstein; and, since 2001, president of Helena Rubinstein.

The U.S. arm of France-based L'Oreal (the world's largest cosmetics firm) owns a number of big-name cosmetics brands, including Maybelline, Redken and Helena Rubinstein; salon product makers Artec, Matrix and SoftSheen/Carson; and perfume brands Ralph Lauren and Gloria Vanderbilt. Its upscale Lancome (makeup, skin care) and Biotherm (skin care) lines are sold in department stores across the country.