A.S. Watson names new CEO

By

Robin Driver

Published
Oct 28, 2019

A.S. Watson (Asia & Europe) Ltd., the holding company behind A.S. Watson Group – the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer, and owner of UK-based Superdrug and France’s Marionnaud – has announced the appointment of group vet Malina Ngai as its new CEO.

In her new role, Ngai will be tasked with leading the development of the company’s growth strategy and operations. She will also continue to serve in her current roles of board member and group chief operating officer at A.S. Watson Group.
 
The executive first came to A.S. Watson from the group’s parent company CK Hutchison (formerly Hutchison Whampoa) in 2001. Having begun her career in corporate communications, she has since occupied a range of international leadership roles in areas including investment, buying, technology, sales operations, marketing and digital.

Prior to joining A.S. Watson, Ngai Hutchison held roles in the head offices of Port Holdings and Hutchison Whampoa, having previously worked as a marketing consultant, as well as in a policy making role for the Hong Kong government statutory authority in sports.

She has an MBA from the University of Leicester, UK, a Master of Finance from the University of Dublin, Ireland, and an undergraduate degree from the University of Canberra, Australia.
 
“Malina has been instrumental in formulating the group’s customer strategy, driving digital transformation, business analytics as well as developing strategic international partnerships with top suppliers and technology companies,” said Dominic Lai, group managing director of A.S. Watson Group, in a release.
 
“In her new role as CEO of A.S. Watson (Asia & Europe) and Group COO of A.S. Watson, Malina will continue to support me in formulating growth strategies, work closely with all operating businesses in executing the strategies to deliver the group vision in sales and profit, and building a truly customer-centric organisation,” he added.
 
As well as Superdrug and Marionnaud, A.S. Watson’s health and beauty portfolio also includes Rossmann (Germany), Kruidvat (Benelux), Savers (UK) and its namesake Watsons banner – the largest health and beauty chain in Asia. The company’s other operations include food, wine, beverages and electronics.