Reinold Geiger MBA '76 leads one of the few companies in the world that not only make their products available to the blind and partially sighted by using Braille on their packaging, but are also committed to being socially responsible and environmentally friendly. L'Occitane runs projects in developing countries where by working with local communities, buying their natural products, they create employment and trade and through these relationships, L'Occitane actively encourages communities to educate their children. As well as using Braille on their packaging, in 2004 L'Occitane established a perfume school in Provence for the blind and partially sighted. L'Occitane also supports associations who protect endangered species, their products are not tested on animals and they use recycled materials whenever possible.

Reinold Geiger MBA '76, Chairman, L'Occitane en Provence

L'Occitane was founded in 1976 in Provence by a literature student, Olivier Baussan, who purchased an old steam distiller to produce rosemary oil which he sold at local markets. Soon afterwards, L'Occitane started manufacturing cosmetic and fragrance products based on natural ingredients using old recipes. At this time, there was little demand for natural products, however, in the last ten years consumers have become much more concerned about using synthetic products and demand for natural and authentic products has increased dramatically.

With their exceptional know-how of formulating products to meet today's consumer demands and their expertise in retail, L'Occitane has increased its number of stores from 2 in France, to nearly 900 spread throughout Europe, the Americas and Asia. In 1994, their sales revenue stood at approximately 8M€. Today it has reached 330M€.

We asked Reinold to tell us about the company and its development, its values and his future aspirations. Read on...