O&M has appointed industry veteran Chris Hammond to the newly created role of Managing Director, as the Australian professional haircare brand enters its next phase of international growth.

Chris brings more than 20 years of experience across the professional haircare industry, having worked across Australia, the UK and the US. He joins O&M following a period of rapid growth for the brand, particularly across the US and other international markets.

Working closely with O&M Founder Jose Bryce Smith, Chris will focus on strengthening the business’ operations, expanding distribution and further establishing O&M within the global professional haircare market.

Jose says Chris’ appointment comes at an important point in the brand’s growth.

“Chris has come on board at a really exciting time for O&M,” she explains of the appointment. “With rapidly growing demand for the brand globally, we’re focused on taking O&M to more salons and customers around the world, and Chris is the right person to support us through that. 

“I’ve known Chris for more than 20 years, and one of the things I admire most about him is that he’s still the same person today as when I first met him. He’s authentic, cares deeply about people and brings a great energy wherever he goes. That’s always been important to us at O&M, which is why he feels like such a natural fit for our team and community.”

“His experience building and distributing brands will be invaluable as we continue to grow in Australia and internationally,” continues Jose. “It also gives me the opportunity to spend more time focused on the brand’s vision, knowing the business is being supported by someone who understands what we’re about. Chris often says he’s here to look after the people, and that’s something I strongly believe in too. O&M has always been built for Originals, and I believe that if you look after your people, they’ll look after your customers. Together, we’ll continue to push ourselves to innovate, research and develop the cleanest, high performing haircare in the world.”

For Chris, the opportunity was driven by O&M’s established brand identity, its founder and the potential for further growth.

“What attracted me to O&M was the combination of an incredible founder story, a truly authentic brand identity and a business that still has enormous opportunity ahead of it,” Chris elaborates. “Jose has built something very special and there’s a real warmth, energy and loyalty around the brand that you can feel immediately. I’m excited to join the business at this stage because of the potential for the next chapter of growth.”

Chris says his focus will be on building on the brand’s existing foundations while supporting its continued expansion.

“O&M already has a strong foundation, an incredibly passionate team and a very clear point of difference in the market. I see a huge opportunity to continue strengthening the brand globally while also supporting salons in a meaningful way here in Australia and abroad. My ambition is to build on the amazing work that’s already been done and continue elevating every part of the business, from customer experience and education through to operational alignment and global growth. I want O&M to continue being one of the most respected, progressive and loved brands in professional haircare.”

The appointment comes as O&M continues to build its presence beyond Australia, with Chris now tasked with supporting the infrastructure, distribution and customer experience required to take the brand into its next stage of global growth.

A massive TJ congratulations, Chris and O&M!

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