On December 11, over 120 students from various levels and specializations gathered for an inspiring talk organized in collaboration with L’Oréal. This special event brought together ESCP alumni who are now thriving in their careers at L’Oréal, offering students a unique opportunity to connect and draw inspiration from their experiences.
Discovering L’Oréal’s World of Opportunities
The event began with a presentation of L’Oréal, showcasing its impressive achievements and global footprint. The company reported a remarkable €41 billion turnover, employs 19,000 people worldwide, operates in 150 countries, and ranks among the top five student recruiters globally and second in France. Students were introduced to L’Oréal’s four divisions—Consumer Products, L’Oréal Luxe, Dermatological Beauty, and Professional Products—as well as its diverse resources, including scientists, digital platforms, retail networks, and operations expertise.
An Inspiring Talk by Eva Azoulay
Eva Azoulay, Global VP of HR of the Consumer Products Division, captivated the audience with her story of growth and achievement. An ESCP alumna herself, Eva shared how her career began unexpectedly with an internship at L’Oréal. Today, after 21 years, nine roles, and numerous global experiences, she is the HR leader of the company’s largest division.
Her journey highlighted the importance of adaptability and passion. “The beauty industry is fast-paced and innovative; to succeed, you need flexibility, curiosity, and a fighting spirit,” Eva emphasized.
Eva also reflected on her time at ESCP, crediting the school for instilling in her key skills such as collaboration, self-confidence, and creativity—traits that have proven invaluable throughout her career.
Alumni Testimonies: From ESCP to L’Oréal
The event concluded with an engaging meet-and-greet session where students mingled with alumni now thriving at L’Oréal. Lorenzo Fornasetti, Global Strategic Development Manager at L’Oréal Luxe, shared how similar events shaped his career path. “These informal discussions are powerful. They offer transparency and a real understanding of the group’s DNA,” he said.
Elena Simoni, International Group Manager for Brand Animations at Kérastase, spoke about her own unexpected journey. Initially passionate about art and museums, Elena discovered L’Oréal through Big Picture, a collaborative project during her studies at ESCP. The group’s openness to her ideas and recommendations impressed her, eventually leading to an internship and a fulfilling career.
Bridging the Gap Between Students and Industry
This event not only celebrated the successes of ESCP alumni but also underscored the importance of building connections. It allowed students to engage directly with industry leaders and alumni, ask questions, and gain insights into the dynamic world of L’Oréal.
Eva Azoulay left the students with an encouraging message: “Enjoy your study years, make lasting connections, and take advantage of every opportunity. It’s these relationships and experiences that will shape your future.”
With such inspiring stories and valuable networking moments, this event exemplified the unique opportunities ESCP offers its students to connect with global leaders and envision their own successful careers.
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