Mary Kay Inc. announced it will invest about US$20 million over the next five years with its new subsidiary, Mary Kay Cosmetics Pvt. Ltd., based in Gurgaon, near New Delhi, India. According to the company, with the addition of India to its international portfolio, the company now operates in over 30 markets worldwide.
“We anticipate generating the same success in India that we are experiencing in other Asia-Pacific markets,” said K.K. Chua, president of Mary Kay Asia-Pacific, in a press statement. “We now have more than 350,000 Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants in the region. It is very rewarding to watch the dream launched nearly 45 years ago by company founder Mary Kay Ash continue to enrich the lives of women and their families around the world.”
Mary Kay Cosmetics Pvt. Ltd. will be led by Hina Nagarajan, country manager, who has previously worked with other high-profile consumer product companies, including ICI Paint Ltd., and Nestle India Ltd. She holds a Master of Business Administration degree from IIM Ahmedabad, as well as a Business Commerce degree from New Delhi University. Speaking at the official launch ceremony in New Delhi, Nagarajan said, “We’re very excited about the opportunity to introduce Mary Kay’s premium skin care and color cosmetics products to the women of India.”
At launch, the Mary Kay product lines will reportedly feature more than 60 skin care and color cosmetics products, with additional products planned in early 2008. The company reports it has experienced tremendous international sales growth in recent years, especially in China, Mexico and Russia. In addition to India, Mary Kay’s Asia-Pacific markets include Australia, China, Hong Kong, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines and Taiwan.
