Speaker

Stirling Murray, Founder of The Red Tree

Synopsis

The beauty industry has a history of being one of the first industries to recover from recessions. This built-in strength even has a name – the 'lipstick effect'. Coined by Leonard Lauder in 2001, it describes the beauty company’s rising lipstick sales during periods of financial distress. The rationale given was that cash-strapped consumers turn to small indulgences as pick-me-ups when they can’t or won’t buy luxuries. But does that hold true in economies and societies ravaged by the effects of COVID-19? With non-essential retailers, salons, clinics and spas closed and with lipstick sales below last year's, can beauty really stay recession-proof? It can if resilience and agility are at the heart of our thinking and we recognise that full-on, always-on marketing is a must. During this lecture, we’ll explore how the pandemic has impacted the beauty industry and how it can recover in a stronger and better way than ever before.

Biography

Stirling Murray is founder and MD of The Red Tree, the UK’s leading international beauty brand consultancy. With a global client list that includes major corporates, p/e houses and well-funded start ups The Red Tree is the “go to company” for vision, strategy, NPD, and straight talking common sense. The company has worked with clients in more than 10 global markets, creating and implementing long term strategy, developing and launching new brands and putting in place international growth plans. Founded in 2010 The Red Tree also manages brands for international brand owners as their UK Country Manager and have listed client brands in SpaceNK, Harvey Nichols, Harrods, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Selfridges, The Hut Group, Feel Unique, Indulge in Beauty, Boots, QVC and in European retailers and distributors. With over 35 years’ experience in the global beauty market Stirling has held UK and international board roles at Rimmel, Estée Lauder and Bourjois. With an extensive network of contacts in the international beauty sector Stirling is a frequent speaker at international beauty and spa events, has lectured in Marketing at the London College of Fashion and was a member of their Industry Advisory Panel.