Cosmax Group has announced a significant leadership reshuffle as part of its 2025 executive appointments, aimed at strengthening its competitiveness in the Chinese market and advancing its global position in the cosmetics Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) industry. The appointments, disclosed on December 26, 2024, include 30 key changes spanning research, production, marketing, and support roles, signaling the company’s commitment to innovation and adaptability in a rapidly evolving sector.
Among the key appointments, Lee Sang-in, currently Managing Director of Cosmax Guangzhou, will transition to Managing Director of Cosmax China (Shanghai Corporation). Lee, who joined Cosmax in 1996, has an extensive background in marketing and leadership, including his tenure as Managing Director of Cosmax Guangzhou since 2017. During this time, he played a pivotal role in stabilizing the corporation and securing partnerships with major Chinese brands such as Perfect Diary. Yang Chi-yeon, Vice President and Head of the Marketing Institutional Sector at Cosmax China, will take over as Managing Director of Cosmax Guangzhou. Yang, a company veteran since 1995, was instrumental in achieving record-breaking sales for Cosmax China in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their leadership is expected to open new opportunities for growth in the Chinese cosmetics market.
Cosmax has also promoted 28 executives as part of this overhaul. Notable among them are Kim Nam-jung and Kim Seung-min, who have been elevated to Vice President roles. Kim Nam-jung, formerly Head of the Marketing Institutional Sector, has been named the new representative of Cosmax NB, an affiliate focused on health functional foods. Kim Seung-min, who joined Cosmax in 2022 after a 30-year career at Samsung Electronics, has enhanced investment and risk management systems for the company’s Chinese operations. These promotions are designed to strengthen the company’s strategic capabilities and expand its influence in both the cosmetics and health food sectors.
The company has made significant strides in research and innovation with key promotions, including Ji Jin-goo, Head of the Cosmax CL Lab, and Kang Byeong-ha, Head of the Formulation Research Institute at Cosmax China, both elevated to Fellow 1, an executive-level position. Additionally, the Cosmax Research & Innovation Center has undergone a major restructuring, expanding from 18 to 23 specialized labs. This includes the establishment of new labs like the PM Lab for mask sheets and packs, the PS Lab for eco-friendly packaging materials, and the SC Lab, which focuses on sunscreen innovation. These efforts aim to address evolving customer demands and reinforce Cosmax’s reputation for cutting-edge technology.
Cosmax is also making strides in promoting diversity and inclusion within its leadership. Seven women were promoted to executive roles, including three associate executive directors born in the 1980s. This move is expected to bring fresh perspectives, enhance decision-making, and improve internal communication across the organization. Furthermore, in its global operations, Kang Min-gu, Head of Cosmax Thailand, has been promoted to Executive Director, reflecting the company’s commitment to expanding its international footprint.
The health functional food sector has also seen key promotions aimed at developing sustainable business models for global markets. These include the appointment of Park Jong-cheol as Executive Director of Cosmax NB’s production division and the promotion of Kim Jae-hwan and Park Il-seo at Cosmax Bio. These changes are expected to bolster the company’s growth in the wellness and health food sectors.
A Cosmax Group spokesperson highlighted the strategic importance of these appointments, stating, “Through this reshuffle, we aim to accelerate technological innovation and secure future growth drivers. This is a turning point to solidify our position as the world’s No. 1 in the global cosmetics ODM market and to develop innovative business models”. With its revamped leadership structure and forward-thinking initiatives, Cosmax is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the global cosmetics and wellness industries.