THE WHAT?  Artemis Patrick will assume the role of president at the renowned retailer starting Oct. 2, succeeding Jean-André Rougeot, the current president and CEO, who has announced his upcoming retirement in April.

THE DETAILS  This appointment marks a historic shift as Patrick becomes the first woman at the helm of the LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton-owned retailer, the premier beauty player in the U.S. In her elevated capacity, she will operate under the guidance of Guillaume Motte, the president and CEO of Sephora’s international operations. Furthermore, Priya Venkatesh, senior vice president of global merchandising, is slated to fill the global chief merchant seat on the same date, solidifying her place in Sephora’s international leadership, with Motte as her direct supervisor.

THE WHY?  Joining Sephora back in 2006 as the director of e-commerce merchandising, Patrick’s tenure has been transformative. Regarded as an influential voice and brand connoisseur within the beauty sector, she played a pivotal role in Sephora’s ascendance in the U.S., which now stands as Sephora’s dominant market globally.