Her Story
About Caroline
Caroline Klaas serves as VP of Marketing for Henkel Consumer Brands North America. In this role, she oversees the marketing teams for four professional beauty brands, My Identity, Sexy Hair, Statement, and Divoco, driving new product innovation, trade, PR, social, and digital marketing initiatives. With more than 10 years at the Henkel group in the fast-moving consumer goods industry and five years specifically in the beauty professional field, she previously held positions including global senior brand manager for Schwarzkopf in Hamburg, director of integrated marketing for Kenra Professional, chief of staff to the group's CEO, and senior manager in the group strategy unit. Her expertise centers on leadership, team transformation, and brand strategy. Caroline earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management in Germany and pursued international studies at IE in Madrid and Bocconi in Milan. She attributes her success to a strict upbringing that instilled strong work ethics, resilience developed through hobbies such as sailing and kite surfing, and repeatedly taking on challenging career steps.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Caroline
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success comes from the strict education from my mother which instilled strong work ethics, and the resilience I developed through my hobbies like sailing and kite surfing, as well as repeatedly taking on challenging career steps that pushed me to my limits, teaching me to tackle each new Mount Everest base camp by base camp.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Listen to yourself first and foremost and don't listen too much to everything around you. Focus on yourself, give your very best every single day. If you love working and feel passionate about the challenge, do it with passion and a smile, and it will feel very rewarding. Don't take things personal, be resilient, and remember it's just shampoo and conditioner.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Transparency and authenticity are crucial, as is leading by example. Family values and work-life balance are essential, ensuring time for what's most important. Passion fuels me, and leadership with compassion and empathy is incredibly important.
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