Ulrike Jacob

Ulrike Jacob may be the only CEO of a major cosmetics and personal care brand in the U.S. with an advanced degree in chemistry and major in biochemistry. She heads Lavera Skin Care North America, the U.S. arm of Europe’s dominant green beauty brand. The German maker of organic and natural cosmetics and personal care products commands a 27 percent market share in Europe, and is top-ranked in rigorous consumer tests among industry cohorts.

Jacob, in her role at Lavera/North America, has emerged as a strong and credible voice advocating that Europe’s stringent regulation of ingredients in personal care products become the U.S. standard as well, and points out the fact that the FDA does not require all ingredients be listed, let alone tested, for consumer safety. Jacob’s professional background in biochemistry provides her with a unique insight to understand the connection between toxic ingredients and chronic health conditions common among women stemming from auto-immune problems. Jacob has joined with other green beauty brand leaders in signing the Safe Cosmetics Compact and is a major corporate sponsor of the Susan G. Komen Foundation, understanding the potential link between toxic ingredients and cancer. “Sixty percent of what you put on your body is absorbed into your skin,” is a common refrain by the energetic CEO, whose mission is to bring education, awareness and new insight to women as consumers of their own health. Only then, she says, will the government regulations have to change.

Taking organic and natural cosmetics mainstream has been her most recent mission, and Lavera’s growth in new venues such as Target and CVS is testament to her years of advocacy paying off through her brand’s success. And American consumers are responding to these best-in-quality products with early sales exceeding projections.

Born in Germany, Ulrike lived a natural and healthy lifestyle since she was in her teens and decided to work for a truly Green company. In order to learn about chemical and environmental processes, she studied chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Wuerzburg, Germany and completed internships in several different countries, giving her a global perspective on how science can help advance causes combining healthy living and environmental stewardship. During her studies, Ulrike worked as an environmental consultant, offering advice and solutions to patients with chemical sensitivities and those exposed to toxic contaminations. She graduated with a Master of Science in Biochemistry in 1995.

Upon completion of her degree, Ulrike decided to fulfill her desire to explore the world. During her travels she discovered Vancouver, Canada as a place with a very strong green and healthy lifestyle and felt immediately at home. She decided to stay and began work on a PhD in biochemistry at the University of British Columbia. In the course of her research, Ulrike collaborated with scientists from across the globe, an experience that confirmed her belief in the strength of international relationships and their ability to foster positive change in both the personal and business worlds.

During her PhD studies, Ulrike approached Lavera in her native home proposing an opportunity to work together. As one of the leading natural skin care companies in Germany, Ulrike felt that Lavera needed to expand internationally with its award winning organic skincare products. In 1998, Ulrike formed Lavera Distribution for the USA and Canada as the first international partner for Lavera. Today, Lavera products are available throughout the US and Canada - as well as in more than 25 countries worldwide.

Ulrike is the ideal champion for Lavera. A firm believer in “walking your talk,” Ulrike believes, like Lavera, that companies should not only have financial goals, but also a strong commitment to contributing to the environment and the health and well being of each individual customer and employee. She continues her work in the community and supports ongoing ingredient knowledge sessions to help people understand the value and health benefits of organic skin care products and the superiority of the Lavera brand.

Contact Ulrike at: info @ lavera.com