NHBF appoints Caroline Larissey as chief executive
By Helena Biggs | 07 November 2023 | Movers & Shakers, News
Caroline Larissey has been appointed as chief executive of the National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF), following the retirement of former chief executive, Richard Lambert.
Formerly the NHBF‘s director of quality & standards, Caroline has been recognised amongst the first ever Powerlist, which celebrates inspirational women in Trade Associations. She joined the hair and beauty sector at the age of 16, working as a stylist, beauty therapist and business owner before becoming a further education lecturer and progressing to national training manager in 2002.
Her roles have included project lead for hair & beauty for the Habia national 14-19 Diploma Project and head of standards & Qualifications for SkillsActive. She is well versed regulatory compliance, industry best practices, quality management systems and standards.
Caroline comments: “Supporting the hair and beauty sector is my passion. This was the basis at the start of my own career over 35 years ago as a learner, then business owner. I understand and appreciate the challenges and successes a hair and beauty business can face, as I have experience, empathy and real understanding of our the requirements of NHBF members.
“Over the last 20 years I have dedicated myself to specifically raising quality and standards and championing the sector.”
In her time with the NHBF, Caroline has contributed to the development of standards, quality, and guidance to support the recognition and value of the hair and beauty sector. She has continued to champion the employer’s and practitioners voice, acting as a conduit between the industry, professional bodies, government agencies, departments, and ministers on issues that affect the sector.
She continues: “I fully understand and appreciate the diverse industries, people, influences and organisations we represent and have had the honour of playing a pivotal role in the many changes, challenges, highs and lows the sector has faced.
“I feel the position of chief executive at the NHBF will enable me to support our members in achieving their full business potential by helping them to maintain safe, legal, and profitable businesses – plus help the sector gain the recognition it truly deserves by continuing to work with the UK government and promoting our contribution to the UK economy.”