Faculty and Alumni News

larissa jensonLarissa Jensen
CFMM '04; Faculty Member

Larissa Jensen has co-authored a new article for the Harvard Business Review that examines the evolving dynamics of the beauty industry.

"The article explores a critical theme in today's market: the intersection of data-driven insights and authentic brand storytelling," Jensen said. "It argues that the most successful brands do more than sell products; they establish personal connections with their consumers. This is achieved by combining hard data with genuine, human-centric narratives."

Jensen highlights how brands can balance analytics and authenticity to build lasting relationships. In conjunction with this publication, FIT hosted a podcast on December 3 featuring Jensen in conversation with Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell, co-founders of Beekman 1802, continuing the discussion on how today’s beauty leaders can meaningfully connect with audiences.

tennille kopiaszTennille Kopiasz
CFMM '04; Faculty Member

Tennille Kopiasz, faculty for the CFMM Leadership Course and past recipient of the program's Outstanding Alumni Award, Tennille Kopiasz, has been appointed the new global CEO of Chantecaille at global conglomerate Beiersdorf Kopiasz. She shared her excitement about the role, saying, "I've long admired Chantecaille as a brand with a strong heritage and meaningful philanthropy. It's a true honor to work with this talented team to build on this legacy and continue to accelerate the business through elevated product and experiences, digital transformation, and support the global commercial operations."

» WWD: Chantecaille Has a New CEO

elana drell-szyferElana Drell Szyfer
Faculty Member

Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) has appointed Elana Drell Szyfer as its new president, which went into effect on January 1. Drell Szyfer is a 10-year member of CEW’s board of governors, most recently served as CEO of RéVive Skincare, and previously led Laura Geller Beauty following senior roles at L’Oréal, Avon, and Estée Lauder.

"CEW has played a pivotal role in my career… What Carlotta and the team have built is iconic, and I am honored to continue its legacy," Drell Szyfer said.

In her new role, she will oversee CEW’s market position, growth, and signature events, including the Achiever Awards and Beauty Awards. Drell Szyfer is a long-time guest lecturer and Executive Mentor in the CFMM program and recently joined the FIT faculty, authoring a new course in Luxury Marketing and Brand Management which she taught for the first time during the fall 2025 semester at the Beauty Center.

» WWD: Elana Drell Szyfer Is CEW's New President

laurie lamLaurie Lam 
CFMM '09; Former CFMM Alumni Association Chair

Laurie Lam is Chief Brand Officer at e.l.f. Beauty, a multi-branded portfolio which includes the namesake brand e.l.f. Cosmetics, e.l.f. SKIN, Naturium, Well People, Keys Soulcare, Naturium, and rhode. She is responsible for e.l.f.’s global brand strategy, driving growth across all categories, as well as championing their mission to make the best of beauty accessible to every eye, lip, and face.

With more than 20 years of experience building global brands, Lam is an accomplished business leader and dynamic marketer in the beauty industry. Prior to joining e.l.f. Beauty, she was at L’Oréal, where she held several leadership positions within the group’s Professional Products Division and Consumer Products Division in the United States, France, and Asia-Pacific. Her experience spans across marketing, e-commerce and digital, acquisitions and business development, and innovation.

Lam earned her MPS and was the CFMM Department Medal recipient and Outstanding Scholar for the Class of 2009. She has served as chairperson of the CFMM Alumni Association, Alumni Commencement Speaker (2025), and currently serves as a member of the program's industry advisory board.