After joining Clarins as an intern in the early ’90s, Jonathan spent the following years playing a key role in the international expansion of the family business. Today, as President and CEO, he remains committed to ensuring that Clarins thrives and excels, while upholding its core values and rich heritage.

A winning spirit

Jonathan Zrihen joined Clarins in 1993 as an intern after graduating from the Institut Supérieur du Commerce de Paris, beginning a decades-long career that would eventually lead him to head the family-owned group.

After a first overseas experience as Sales Manager in Australia, he joined the International Division in 1996 as Export Zone Director, where he played a key role in expanding the group’s Beauty and Fragrance brands globally. In 1999, he was appointed President of the Asia-Pacific region, and over the next five years, he successfully expanded the company’s presence in the region, including leading the entry into the Chinese market, which has since become Clarins’ largest.

Leading with passion

Jonathan’s leadership philosophy is rooted in passion, collaboration, and respect. His management style reflects the company’s founding principle: “Do more, do better, and love what you do.” These core values shaped his tenure as President of Clarins Canada in 2004 and continued to guide him as he took on leadership roles overseeing Clarins North America and, ultimately, the Americas region.

During this time, he strengthened the company’s presence across the continent by championing product quality, fostering customer relationships, and leading with a client-centric focus in a highly competitive market. Working closely with his teams, he consistently applied Jacques Courtin’s philosophy: “We have millions of consumers, but for us, each consumer is unique.”

Becoming President and CEO

In 2015, Jonathan was named President and CEO by the Courtin family. Under his leadership, the Group has refined its strategy to focus on sustainable growth, innovation, digital transformation, and corporate responsibility.

In 2020, Clarins made the strategic decision to divest its Fragrance division (Azzaro and Mugler), reaffirming its commitment to its core expertise—skincare and makeup. This move allowed Clarins to fully realize its potential as a global leader in these key markets, with a strong emphasis on customer-centricity and sustainability.

Deeply committed to Clarins’ heritage and values, Jonathan embodies the group’s distinctive vision and strengths. Drawing inspiration from the company’s extraordinary family legacy and entrepreneurial spirit, he passionately strives to unlock Clarins’ full potential while preserving its unique identity and core values.

“Our success must be guided by the vision of a founder and his family, whose promise is to listen to and care for their customers, offer the best products, and provide each person with a unique experience.”