Health and beauty brief: L'Oréal Canada’s new CEO, Dove contest generates buzz
L'Oréal Canada taps Stéphane Bérubé as president and CEO
Appointment marks a milestone for the subsidiary, as Bérubé is the first Canadian to lead the organization in Canada.
He succeeds An Verhulst-Santos, who, following a five-year mandate in Montreal, is appointed non-executive chairwoman of L'Oréal Brazil, a first for the group.
A hand-over period took place between April and June 2026. Bérubé will officially assume his new role on June 1.
Stéphanie Binette succeeds Bérubé at the head of the consumer products division.
With more than 20 years of experience within the L'Oréal Group, Bérubé has worked both in Canada and internationally.
He started in 2002 as brand director for Maybelline New York Canada, where he subsequently held key strategic positions such as general manager of L'Oréal Paris in Canada, before being appointed chief marketing officer of the Canadian subsidiary in 2014.
After his tenure as CMO for Western Europe, he returned to Canada in 2019 to lead the Consumer Products Division.
Dove launches Hot Seats contest
Powered by the brand’s new Alcohol-Free Whole Body Deo range, the contest offered music fans the chance to win tickets to the biggest shows at the RBC Amphitheatre in Toronto this summer.
To participate in the contest, which ended on May 29, Ontario residents were asked to follow @hotseatsbydove on Instagram, where daily clues to secret passwords unlocked access to exclusive ticket giveaways.
Torontonians could also catch the Dove Hot Seats truck around the city, offering free product samples, coupons and alcohol-free mocktails inspired by the new Dove Alcohol-Free Whole Body Deo spray.
Dove’s Alcohol-Free Whole Body Deo Spray is available at retailers nationwide in four scents: Coconut and Vanilla, Raspberry and Rose, Peach and White Tea and Gardenia Breeze. The deodorant is also available in an anti-chafe stick format.
"At Dove, we believe when your skin feels good, you feel good, and our new alcohol-free Whole Body Deo range is here to give you that extra boost," said Ashley Kelso, senior brand manager, female deodorants at Unilever Canada, in a press release. "With Hot Seats, we're helping Canadians stay fresh and confident so they can be fully present at the shows they love, bringing Dove into the heart of live music culture, where confidence, comfort, and self-expression come together."
Nixit expands into mass grocery
The Canadian personal care brand’s sexual wellness products are now available in select Loblaw Companies stores nationwide.
Nixit’s launch spans 384 locations across Loblaw banners, including Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, Zehrs and Your Independent Grocer.
Founded by Rachael Newton, Nixit has grown internationally through its direct-to-consumer channel since 2019.
"Canadian shoppers are paying closer attention than ever to what's in the products they use, and that conversation is now extending into sexual wellness. Nixit's focus on ingredient transparency and women's health makes them a strong addition to our growing assortment in the health and personal care space," said Elaine Lukowski, vice-president, home, entertainment and health and beauty, Loblaw Companies Limited, in a press release.
Have a pitch for Canadian Grocer’s health and beauty brief? Contact digital editor Jillian Morgan at [email protected].
