Boldface Group names CEO

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Celebrity beauty licensing company Boldface Group has named former Smashbox executive John LaBonty as president and CEO.



LaBonty served as VP, GM of international for Smashbox. LaBonty also has extensive mass-market consumer brand experience with Procter & Gamble and Tambrands (i.e., Tampax tampons). He has led multiple sales, marketing and general management organizations with both companies within North America and internationally. In addition to his extensive consumer experience, LaBonty was the VP sales and distribution for Citigroup's Latin America consumer division.  



"We could not be more thrilled with the addition of Mr. LaBonty to lead the company. We are honored that Mr. LaBonty will be taking the helm and bringing the company vision to life," stated Nicole Ostoya, the current CEO, who will transition to co-founder and chief marketing officer of Boldface. "He brings excellent leadership, operational and financial expertise combined with significant international experience. A force to be reckoned with."



"I am delighted to have the opportunity to join Boldface Group and to assist Nicole and Robin in their vision to create the world's leading branding and licensing company. I am impressed with what they have created, and am confident that we can bring their vision to reality," LaBonty stated.



Boldface ended its last quarter Dec. 31, 2013 with gross revenues of $2 million, a 27% increase over the prior quarter. The company sells cosmetics and beauty products under the Kardashian Beauty brand, and will sell fragrance products by Mario Lopez and beauty and personal care products by Uglydoll.