In the shade of the plane trees of the 15th arrondissement, in a purely Parisian café, I meet Anne-Laure Nguyen, a woman with a dazzling career. Behind her glasses, a frank smile and an effortless energy, it is difficult to believe that this simplicity hides the general director of Avène, an emblematic brand of the Pierre Fabre group.
At 18, Anne-Laure Nguyen already knew that she would not follow in her father’s footsteps. Medicine wasn’t for her, but she wasn’t ready to give up her love of science. This is how she chose pharmacy, a path that allowed her to stay close to what she loved while exploring new horizons. “I told myself that medicine was not for me. Pharmacy seemed like a good compromise, given my interest in science,” she explains. Quickly, her studies led her to a world that was still unknown to her but which would become her passion: the cosmetics industry.
His academic career is marked by an insatiable curiosity and a thirst for learning. Doctor in Pharmacy, she continued her training at HEC Paris with a Master in Marketing Intelligence, then obtained a diploma in Oncodermatology in Toulouse. These skills naturally open the doors to companies where she can combine science and innovation in the service of beauty and well-being.
His arrival at Pierre Fabre, 20 years ago, was not simply a professional turning point, but a real life decision. “It was the ideal company for me,” she explains, referring to her attraction to the history and values of this company founded by a visionary pharmacist. Since then, she has held several strategic positions, helping to develop iconic brands such as Ducray or Klorane, before taking the reins of Avène in 2020.
As general director, Anne-Laure strives to remain faithful to the values that have made the brand successful. “The first challenge that I identified is to strengthen the brand on what it does best: its therapeutic know-how,” she explains. It highlights the importance of building on solid foundations while innovating, while emphasizing the central role of teamwork and collaboration with experts to develop products like the Triasorb filter complex. “We are the only ones to offer this type of ultra-broad spectrum filter,” she adds, with pride shared by her teams.
His knowledge of Pharmacy is a major asset in his daily management. “My training allows me to collaborate effectively with teams, encouraging them to explore technical areas, such as HEV (high energy visible) blue light in sun protection, which are of real interest to patients and consumers,” shares -she.
Dermocosmetics, a link between health and beauty, is the true DNA of Avène. “I like to say that we are “skin medicine” confides Anne-Laure, recalling Avène’s commitment to dermatologists and consumers. This rigorous approach, combined with a holistic perspective, allows the brand to remain at the forefront of innovation, while meeting the real needs of patients.
Under the leadership of Anne-Laure, Avène has reached a major milestone by reaching one billion euros in turnover in 2023. “This represents an important milestone for us,” she comments, highlighting collective effort and the key role of international strategy. With 77% of this figure achieved internationally, this success illustrates the brand’s global reach and consumer confidence in the quality of Avène products.
Avène’s heritage, this unique link with nature and health, continues to guide Anne-Laure in her work. “Our goal is to help families take better care of themselves,” she explains, referring to the epidemiological studies carried out by the Pierre Fabre group. This constant attention to consumer well-being, coupled with a detailed approach, guides its daily work.
The spa resort of Avène, where it all began, remains at the heart of the brand’s identity. “Initially, the spa focused solely on dermatological cures for patients with skin pathologies… Today, we offer care for well-being, in addition to medical treatments,” explains Anne-Laure, always concerned to improve the experience of patients and their companions.
In three years at the head of Avène, Anne-Laure Nguyen has been able to strengthen the brand’s image, while maintaining a humble and collaborative approach. His career is marked by a constant desire to best serve the needs of patients and consumers, while remaining faithful to the values that make Avène strong. “I think it’s easier for us to innovate thanks to our proximity to dermatologists, pharmacists but especially to the patients of our thermal center,” she concludes, emphasizing the importance of shared innovation. And this is how Avène is more ready than ever to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
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