British Beauty Council’s CEO and chief operating officer recognised in 2022 New Year Honours

The British Beauty Council‘s CEO, Millie Kendall, and chief operating officer, Helena Grzesk, have been recognised in the 2022 New Year Honours List.

Millie Kendall has been awarded with an OBE and Helena Grzesk with an MBE, in recognition of their efforts for the British Beauty Council and beauty sector as a whole.

Since its launch in 2018, the British Beauty Council has represented the voices and needs of the British beauty industry, championing the sector and pushing for positive change within it. It also launched the Sustainable Beauty Coalition in 2021 to accelerate the sustainability efforts of the sector.

The council has engaged government figures and business leaders in discussions around the value of the beauty industry, in terms of its economic, social and cultural impact, helping the industry to receive the support needed to overcome challenges created by the pandemic.

For example, the British Beauty Council won an extra £500m of government-backed support during the pandemic, secured an earlier reopening of the industry post-lockdown, and achieved an £18,000 ‘restart grant’ – a £12,000 increase on the previously proposed grant.

“It’s an honour to be recognised in this way. My passion for the beauty industry has never faltered, it makes such an impact on our everyday lives,” said Millie Kendall OBE. “This award signifies a change in how our sector is viewed, and an appreciation of not just my work but the monumental efforts of The British Beauty Council and its partners in affecting that change.”

Kendall, who has over 30 years’ experience creating and marketing beauty brands, was previously awarded an MBE in 2007 for services to the cosmetics industry. In March 2021, she was part of a roundtable discussion with Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, where she championed women with the beauty industry.

“This award is a demonstration of the positive steps forward we have taken in being recognised as a global leader in innovation and education,” commented Helena Grzesk MBE. “We are so truly proud of the work we have achieved to date – this is the culmination of that work.”

With over 20 years’ experience in the beauty, spa and hospitality industry, Grzesk is also the mental health & wellbeing lead for the British Beauty Council. She co-authored a 2021 report that explored the effects of personal care services on mental health and wellbeing.

Visit the British Beauty Council website here.