How This Cosmetic Chemist Helped Hailey Bieber Land A $1 Billion Deal For Her Beauty Brand Rhode
Rhode was recently acquired by e.l.f. fr $800 million, with the potential for an additional $200 million payout based on the brand’s future growth over the next three years, as reported by Forbes. Perhaps less well known, but essential to Rhode’s success, is longtime cosmetic chemist and BeautyStat founder Ron Robinson.
Ron Robinson’s career
With 30 years in the beauty industry, Robinson played a part in leading Rhode to success. Beauty Matter reported that his career began at Adelphi University, where he studied biology and chemistry, with the intention of becoming a doctor. However, after spending one year in medical school, he dropped out and became a Product Development Manager in the Clinique division at Estée Lauder.
He went on to hold leadership positions in product development at Lancôme, Revlon, and Avon and founded the beauty blog and social media agency BeautyStat in 2009. BeautyStat eventually became the name of his skincare brand, which he launched with a minimum viable product (MVP).
Robinson and Rhode
In 2020, Hailey Bieber reached out to Robinson on Instagram for help in creating her new skincare brand, Rhode. The brand launched in 2022, with Robinson serving as chemist-in-residence and a key advisor. Drawing on decades of experience, he played a pivotal role in Rhode’s rapid success, particularly among Gen Z women.
“I knew it would do well. Hailey has an audience that has been so engaged,” he told Beauty Matter. “She loves skincare, and her audience knows that, so it was natural for her to build her own brand. I didn’t know it would become the type of phenomenon that it has become. I’m thrilled to be part of the ride.”
Rhode’s acquisition
On Wednesday May 27, e.l.f. announced that it acquired Rhode for $1 billion. The deal comprises $800 million in cash and stock, with an additional potential earn-out consideration of $200 million, contingent upon the brand’s future growth over three years.
Bieber will continue her role as Founder and additionally serve as Rhode’s Chief Creative Officer and Head of Innovation, overseeing creative, product innovation, and marketing.
“Just three years into this journey, our partnership with e.l.f. Beauty marks an incredible opportunity to elevate and accelerate our ability to reach more of our community with even more innovative products and widen our distribution globally,” Bieber said.
Image: BeautyStat
