Brooklyn-based, B Corp certified haircare brand Amika is making bold moves to reinforce its commitment to female leadership with the recent appointment of Chelsea Riggs as CEO and Nilofer Vahora as the brand’s first-ever Chief Marketing Officer. These strategic promotions mark a new era for the professional haircare brand, emphasising innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable growth.
Chelsea Riggs Takes the Helm as CEO
Amika, the professional hair care and styling brand, has recently made significant strides in bolstering its female leadership team. In January 2024, Chelsea Riggs, who has been with the company since 2010, was promoted from Brand President to Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Under Riggs’ leadership, Amika experienced a tenfold increase in revenue, attributed to her strategic focus on a “fewer, bigger, and better” approach. This strategy emphasizes concentrating on core products and deepening relationships with key partners, notably Sephora and the brand’s extensive professional network.
Riggs remarked on the brand’s evolution, stating, “Amika wasn’t built overnight; we’ve been working on the same strategy for a few years now… We’re able to leverage everything that’s working about the brand.” Her appointment signals a continued commitment to fostering sustainable growth while ensuring the brand remains at the forefront of the professional haircare industry.
Nilofer Vahora Joins as Chief Marketing Officer
Continuing its commitment to strong female leadership, Amika appointed Nilofer Vahora as its first Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) in January 2025. Vahora brings over two decades of experience in driving growth and innovation for prominent beauty and fashion brands. Prior to joining Amika, she served as CMO at Milk Makeup, where she led initiatives that positioned the brand as a global leader in clean beauty. Her career also includes senior roles at Shiseido and Rebecca Minkoff.
In her new role at Amika, Vahora will oversee all marketing operations, focusing on enhancing the brand’s identity and consumer engagement. CEO Chelsea Riggs expressed enthusiasm about Vahora’s addition to the team, stating, “Her extraordinary ability to build brands with authenticity and creativity perfectly aligns with Amika’s DNA.” Her expertise is expected to play a crucial role in expanding Amika’s presence across digital platforms, strengthening the brand’s direct-to-consumer approach, and deepening its connection with professional stylists and beauty enthusiasts alike.
A Commitment to Female Leadership and Innovation
These strategic appointments underscore Amika’s dedication to empowering female leadership within the beauty industry. By entrusting key executive roles to accomplished women, the brand not only reinforces its commitment to inclusivity and innovation but also sets a precedent for leadership diversity in the sector.
Amika’s success story is built on a foundation of collaboration and forward-thinking strategies, which is reflected in its leadership structure. With Riggs leading the company and Vahora shaping its marketing direction, Amika is well-positioned to continue its expansion and innovation within the haircare industry. As the beauty sector continues to evolve, Amika’s leadership team exemplifies the importance of diversity, vision, and strategic execution in building a brand that resonates with both professionals and consumers.
These leadership changes signal an exciting new chapter for Amika as it continues to grow in an increasingly competitive market. With a strong emphasis on authenticity, creativity, and female empowerment, Amika is poised to set new industry standards while maintaining its mission of celebrating individuality and self-expression through high-performance haircare products.
