One on One With Philippe Hennessy of Pevonia International

The skincare company president and CEO talks business.

The word “driven” could easily apply to Philippe Hennessy. “When I was a child, it was a challenge to keep up with me. From the minute I awoke to the minute I went to sleep, I was always running,” says the Frenchman. In school, Hennessy directed his energy toward studying engineering. Ultimately, however, it was sales and marketing that “fascinated and motivated” him. He worked in sales for many years, and his international travels ultimately led him to New York City. He decided to make his home there, along with his wife, Sylvie (a biochemist), and their sons, Edmond and Olivier.

Hennessy describes what happened next: “I’d been working as a distributor for another skincare brand, but they weren’t interested in the all-natural botanical skincare line that Sylvie had developed. We believed so strongly in what she had created that we gave up our distributorship and I began selling Pevonia. Each morning, I’d start the day very early with a cup of coffee at the same café, then I’d go door to door to spas and salons, explaining why Pevonia was the best skincare line for estheticians. It worked!”

There were, of course, challenges in building a company from the ground up. “We struggled in the early years, making difficult decisions on how to allocate our budget. Labor and real-estate costs in New York City were extremely high,” Hennessy explains. It was during an annual summer vacation in Daytona Beach, Florida, that the couple had the idea to relocate the business to the popular resort, which their kids also loved. The move paid off. “It substantially reduced our costs, freeing us to invest even more in the company,” Hennessy explains. “We started in a rented warehouse with office space in an industrial area, and Pevonia’s growth went through the roof. Now, Pevonia’s HQ is in the beach city.

The couple sold the company to an equity partner in 2008, but regained control in 2015. Today, Hennessy is as hands-on as ever, in US and international sales, marketing, operations and strategic planning together with his wife, who also heads up research and product development, from formulas to packaging. Hennessy is quick to give credit where it’s due. “We’re supported by a superlative team of executives,” he says. “We’ve always been a team, pooling our resources and expertise. Sylvie and I place a high premium on our dedicated employees, many of whom have been with us for over a decade. In fact, some have been with us from the very beginning, and some have already retired. Our Pevonia family is one of our greatest assets.”—Lesley McCave
 
 

To what do you attribute Pevonia’s success?

The quality of the brand and every product Sylvie has created. Pevonia is a line that estheticians count on. It’s also backed by incomparable education, sales and marketing resources, with personal attention to skincare professionals 24/7.

 

Why did you and Sylvie regain control of Pevonia last year?

The company wasn’t as vibrant and thriving during the time we were away. We didn’t feel the same level of trust and security, and the strategy and direction of Pevonia weren’t up to par with our passion and vision for the brand. This was less than favorable for our valued distributors and loyal spa partners, many of whom had been with us since Pevonia was founded.

 

The company turns 25 in 2016. What does this milestone mean to you?

Honestly, it means another day at the office or on a plane. Pevonia is our way of life. We give it all we have. We’re grateful and so proud of our global Pevonia family.

 

What’s in the cards for the next quarter-century?

We’ll never stop reinventing Pevonia. We’re committed to a steadfast evolution to ensure we’re on trend and in demand. Pevonia is always fresh and exciting. Worldwide, we continue to earn awards and accolades from the industry and years of loyalty from customers; distributorships spanning more than 120 countries, hotel and destination resorts, spa partners and most important to us since day one, respect and acknowledgement from the most demanding consumers: estheticians. Pevonia is recognized for product innovations—and we have many of those coming in 2016!

 

What advice would you give your younger, just-starting-out self?

Pevonia’s success today goes back to what Sylvie and I always believed in: focus and uncompromising quality. Commit to your goal and concentrate all your strength and efforts on it, day and night. When I’ve seen failure in this industry, it’s usually due to a lack of commitment, such as a distributor or customer carrying too many brands, or not fully identifying and lining up all resources behind a clearly defined goal. Concentration is key. I’ve given this advice hundreds of times over the years.

 

Who is your mentor?

I come from a large family. Our parents set a fine example in all areas of life, and they have stood the test of time for generations. I’m grateful to pass this wisdom along to the next generations of our own family.

 

Who would you most like to meet?

My son Olivier again some day in heaven. He passed away in 2012.

 

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Sylvie and I are blessed with a wonderful family. I can’t think of anything more enjoyable than spending time with our two darling little granddaughters. It doesn’t matter what we do when we’re together—every moment is precious.