worldwide sales for Soft Sheen-Carson

Fashion Fair Cosmetics is getting its own makeover under new leadership, with overseas expansion, a skin-care line and a more modern look among the initiatives.

“We have a tremendous opportunity internationally as we shore up the fundamentals of making sure the product is in stock, that we have the right products and an updated product mix, and strong counter presence and sales staff,” said Desiree Rogers, CEO of Johnson Publishing Co., whose portfolio includes Ebony and JET magazines as well as cosmetics and fashion events.

The most attractive markets for overseas sales are Africa, the Caribbean, Europe and South America, Rogers said.

Johnson Publishing has hired two retail veterans to lead Fashion Fair’s redo: Ethan G. Foster, named this week as vice president of sales, and Bob Scott as vice president of operations.

Foster will replace J. Lance Clark, who is retiring after more than 30 years in Fashion Fair leadership. Foster has run his own consulting firm for 30 years, driving sales for brands such as Carol’s Daughter and Namaste Salon Systems. He spent eight years as senior vice president of worldwide sales for Soft Sheen-Carson, a division of L’Oreal USA that got its start in Chicago 45 years ago as Carson Products, Inc., on the South Side.

Scott, who will be in charge of the company’s inventory management, contract manufacturing and process improvements, worked for one of Fashion Fair’s suppliers and has held senior positions at contract-manufacturing organizations such as Outsourcing Services Group and Knowlton Development Corp.

“You will see us doing partnerships early in the new year that will reinforce the Fashion Fair brand and ensure that it has a modern feel,” Rogers said.