Richard Rogers, son of Mary Kay Ash and former Co-Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Mary Kay, has passed away.
Rogers was born April 15, 1943, and attended North Texas State University before serving in the Marine Corps Reserve. Together with his mother and siblings, Rogers launched Mary Kay Cosmetics in 1963, helping turn the brand into a cultural icon and legacy recognizable around the world. He was named CEO in 1968, and in 1976 led the company through public listing on the New York Stock Exchange. In 1985, he led the leveraged buyout that returned the company to privately-held status.
During his tenure, Rogers was essential to creating the company’s signature pink Cadillac program. He was named chairman in 1987, and then returned as CEO in 2001.
“The entire Mary Kay family—including millions of independent sales force members across 40 markets—mourns this loss,” the company wrote in a statement. “Richard ensured the company was placed in excellent hands many years ago. The Mary Kay Leadership Team, including his son, Ryan Rogers, serving as Chief Executive Officer, remains firmly committed to upholding Mary Kay’s vision, principles and enduring opportunity for women around the world. On behalf of our Board of Directors, Executive Team and Employees, we extend our deepest sympathies to Richard’s family and friends during this difficult time.
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