L’Oreal boss handed Body Shop

L’Oreal has placed one of its executives in charge of the Body Shop, the chain it bought from founder Anita Roddick, it has been reported.

Sophie Gasperment had been head of L’Oreal UK but has now been made chief executive officer of the chain, which was purchased by the giant last year for around ?650 million.

She will take over the role from Peter Saunders and he will become chairman of the make-up chain.

According to the Times, insiders describe Ms Gasperment as “very L’Oreal and very French”.

The newspaper speculates that the change in structure indicates L’Oreal wishes to tighten its control over the chain, despite announcing it would remain independent at the time of its acquisition.

Brand Republic reports that Ms Gasperment will be replaced at L’Oreal by general manager Grita Loebsack.

In September, L’Oreal was recognised as one of the top ten companies for developing potential leaders by human resources consultancy Hewitt.