Janet Gurwitch has joined tprivate equity firm Castanea Partners as Operating Partner. Gurwitch has over fifteen years of executive experience in the personal care, luxury, and branded consumer products sectors.
Prior to joining Castanea, he was the founder and CEO of Laura Mercier Cosmetics, a leading, global beauty brand. Under Janet’s leadership, Laura Mercier became one of the top five prestige cosmetics brands in the world.
Prior to founding Laura Mercier, Gutwitch was Executive Vice President of Merchandizing at Neiman Marcus Stores, where she set the strategy for and oversaw the entire women’s complex including beauty, ready-to-wear, and accessories. She began her career at Foley’s Department Store where she was Senior Vice President of Merchandizing.
Brian Knez, Managing Partner of Castanea, says: “As an operating oriented private investment firm, adding Janet to our team presents an extraordinary opportunity. She will add to our unique level and depth of operating expertise, particularly in personal care. With her extensive knowledge, network, and experience, Janet will enhance our ability to add value in supporting our portfolio companies, and in identifying new investment opportunities.”
Janet serves as director on the boards of Urban Decay Cosmetics and La-Z-Boy, Inc, and on the advisory board of Rice University Business School. Additionally, she lectures at the business schools of University of Texas, University of Houston, Rice University, and University of Alabama.
