MARY KAY HEIR RETURNS
Byline: Laura Klepacki
NEW YORK — After nearly eight years in obscurity, the son of Mary Kay Ash has quietly reemerged to take the helm of the family-owned cosmetics empire.
In a letter to Mary Kay employees dated June 26, Richard Rogers, 58, said, “I wanted you to know that I have decided to resume ‘hands on’ leadership of Mary Kay Inc.”
Rogers, who has taken up office in Mary Kay’s Dallas headquarters, had already been chairman of Mary Kay. Last week he assumed the additional title of chief executive officer from John Rochon who has left the company after 21 years. Otherwise, Mary Kay management is expected to remain in tact.
Rogers declined to be interviewed, but company vice chairman Dick Bartlett said while Rogers has been out of the spotlight, “he has very much kept abreast on what is going on here over all these years.” Bartlett has been associated with the company for 28 years.
In Rogers’ letter he explained his reason for returning.
“During recent months, Mother has been clear in her hope and encouragement of my return to a leadership role in the company we founded together almost 40 years ago. Honoring her wish is the right and only decision for me, giving her comfort and peace of mind that Mary Kay Cosmetics will remain a private family-held enterprise.”
Mary Kay Ash, 83, suffered a stroke some five years ago and was unable to return to work. Since then the company has primarily been led by Rochon and Thomas Watley, president of U.S. sales.
Rogers is slated to address Mary Kay sales representatives at Mary Kay’s annual convention in Dallas on July 28. Bartlett said the company is expected to follow the course set by its existing management. That includes continuing to expand its Internet usage and support programs for its sales force.
Before resuming leadership, Rogers had been spending most of his time at his home in Aspen, noted Bartlett. In concert with his new position at Mary Kay, Rogers is disbanding Richmont Corp., an investment company created to oversee the family’s other business interests, which encompass an array of enterprises, including muffin shops and a public relations and marketing firm.