Australian professional cosmetic brand Ultraceuticals launched “quietly” into the U.S. market in the Spring of 2020 after 20 years on the Australian market.

Now available through exclusive professional distribution partners in 44 U.S. states, Ultraceuticals is featured in 100 of the top professional spas across the country, including the Spa at The Fairmont Hotel, in Los Angeles. Each aesthetician working with Ultraceuticals has been personally trained by the brand to ensure the highest standards in treatments and correct prescription of products.

Ultraceuticals announced the appointment of two senior leaders to support it in this next phase of expansion in the U.S.

Bob Hobé has joined Ultraceuticals as senior vice president of International business development, and Shawn Johnson as education manager, North America and Europe. Hobé will be working directly with Dr Geoffrey Heber, Ultraceuticals founder, and Andrew Dingle, chief executive officer.

“This is such an exciting and pivotal time for Ultraceuticals. As a leading professional brand for more than 20 years, it’s been our longtime goal to launch in the U.S., to grow our presence, and to take our global place as leaders in the category among skincare professionals. With this initial U.S. experience under our belt, and an exciting future ahead of us, the appointment of Bob and Shawn is a strategic and significant step forward in helping us achieve this.”

— Andrew Dingle, Ultraceuticals, CEO

Hobé joins Ultraceuticals with more than 20 years experience in executive leadership and brand stewardship. Prior to Ultraceuticals he led the international business development for several professional and prestige beauty brands including Olaplex, Algenist, Sparitual, and Orly, and most recently helmed the Hobé Group, an international sales consulting company. Hobé is charged with strengthening distributor relationships, achieving growth within the professional skincare channel via the roll out to additional spas, and growing overall consumer brand awareness.

 "I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the incredibly talented team at Ultraceuticals during a pivotal time in cosmeceutical skin care," added Hobé. "Ultraceuticals’ brand positioning, exceptional product performance, and obsession with education perfectly positions the brand for success. I am confident we will capitalize on new growth and expansion opportunities in the cosmeceutical space in the U.S."

Johnson joins the Ultraceuticals team as education manager overseeing the U.S.  Her responsibilities include leading the education efforts for U.S. national accounts and the distribution network. Additionally, Johnson will serve as Ultraceuticals’ brand ambassador supporting PR and virtual engagement for the U.S. and Europe.

“Education and science are at the heart of Ultraceuticals, which was an instant connection for me,” said Johnson. “I’m excited to help share this brand’s commitment to skin health across the professional skincare channel while also growing its awareness among consumers.”

With a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Ms Johnson has built her career through successive senior roles in sales and education with L’Oréal’s Vichy and La Roche Posay brands, has held the role of Regional Sales and Education Executive for Estee Lauder’s Darphin Paris brand, and has latterly been the director of education for Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare. 

In addition, a dedicated U.S. marketing plan has been developed, including a comprehensive social media program to support aestheticians and consumers across the country. This will be rolled out in the first quarter of 2023.