Own skin care company promotes consumer goods veteran to CEO role

SAN FRANCISCO — Skin care maker Own has appointed Gerry Chesser as its new CEO, effective immediately.



Chesser succeeds Alastair Dorward, who is moving to an advisory role with the company, where he will focus on growth strategies for Own.

 

Serving most recently as Own’s COO, Chesser has been with the brand since its inception in 2009. He helped to raise financing for the company, develop the financial structure of the product line from production to distribution, and implement Own’s e-commerce platform when the brand launched in spring 2012.



In his new position as CEO, Chesser will manage the growth, positioning and branding for the company, which is challenging the conventional approach to skin care through a platform of skin health. Working closely with CMO Stephen Matt, under Chesser’s leadership, the brand will aim to grow its consumer base and retail distribution, while also introducing new products and consumer content.

 

Chesser has nearly 20 years of experience in the consumer goods business, previously holding positions at such companies as Method Home Products, Clorox and Nestle. As global VP operations at Method, Chesser helped lead the company in an aggressive growth campaign. Under his guidance, Method positioned itself as the leader in a unique category of eco-friendly, inexpensive, and effective home cleaning products with attractive packaging. The company stated that Chesser brings that same understanding to Own, which is similarly positioned as a natural, effective and affordable option in the skin care category.