Wella Company is one of the world’s leading beauty companies, operating in over 150 countries with a portfolio that includes the No. 1 salon color brand in the world (Wella Professionals) and the No. 1 salon nail color brand (OPI). Founded in 1880, the company has a 140-year history of innovation in professional hair and nail care, serving a global community of more than 91 million beauty lovers and industry professionals.

Corporate Overview

Headquarters:
Dual headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and New York City, US.

Ownership:
Since 2020, Wella has operated as an independent entity, majority-owned by the private equity firm KKR following its separation from Coty Inc.

Leadership:
Led by CEO Annie Young-Scrivner and Executive Chair Glenn K. Murphy.

Workforce:
Employs approximately 6,000 people globally. The company emphasizes diversity; as of 2021, women made up 57% of the total workforce and nearly 70% of new hires.

Financial Performance:
In fiscal year 2023, the company reported high single-digit revenue growth and double-digit profitability.

Brand Portfolio

The Wella Company manages a diverse range of iconic professional and retail brands:

Wella Professionals:
Flagship brand for professional hair color, care, and styling.

O·P·I:
Leading professional nail salon brand worldwide.

ghd:
High-end beauty tech tools, including the award-winning ghd Duet Style.

Briogeo:
Eco-haircare brand acquired in 2022.

Clairol:
Major retail hair portfolio brand focused on at-home color.

Nioxin:
Focused on scalp care and thinning hair treatments.

Sebastian Professional:
Known for professional hair styling and care.

Historical Milestones

Origins (1880s):
Founded by hairdresser Franz Ströher in Germany, originally manufacturing tulle for wigs.

Innovation (1920s–1950s):
Registered the “Wella” trademark (meaning “wave”) in 1924. Introduced Kolestral (the first hair-protecting balm) in 1939 and Koleston (the first cream colorant) in 1950.

Modern Era (2000s–Present):
Acquired by Procter & Gamble in 2003 for approximately $5.7 billion, then by Coty Inc. in 2015. In 2014, it patented the ME+ molecule to reduce the risk of allergic reactions in hair dye.

Operational Model & Digital Expansion
Wella predominantly operates through a B2B revenue model, partnering with salons and independent stylists.

WellaStore:
A dedicated e-commerce platform and mobile app for salon professionals that operates in more than 20 markets.

InspoLab™:
An AI-based consultation feature integrated into the Wellastore app in 2025 to help professionals achieve precise color results.

Manufacturing:
The European facility in Rothenkirchen, Germany, uses 100% renewable electricity and produces zero waste to landfill.

Commitment to ESG

The company focuses on People, Planet, and Products through its “WE” values:
Collaborative, Creative, Courageous, Connected, and Committed. It is a member of the UN Global Compact and partners with initiatives like the F1 ACADEMY to support women’s talent in racing.