Mishra Shreya

Editor-in-Chief, GSIS Newsletter

As part of Professor Claire Jo's acclaimed 'K-Arts and Culture Talk Series', GSIS welcomed Jim No, Senior Vice President at the Estée Lauder Companies and the Global General Manager of Dr. Jart+, for an inspiring and insightful session on May 15, 2025. Held in NMH Room 703, the lecture drew students and faculty eager to gain firsthand insights into Korea’s beauty industry from a global leader.

With over two decades of experience across major players like Sephora, Mattel, and The Walt Disney Company, Jim No shared his unique journey - from his consulting days at Bain & Company in Seoul, Tokyo, and Sydney to his current leadership role steering Dr. Jart+’s global strategy under Estée Lauder. A Wharton MBA and neuroscience graduate, Jim’s diverse academic background and strategic vision have been instrumental in transforming Dr. Jart+ into a household name around the world.

During the session, Jim highlighted key factors behind the global appeal of K-beauty, emphasizing Korea’s unmatched speed in innovation and the ability to translate cultural trends - like the iconic “glass skin” aesthetic - into global beauty phenomena. He noted that what sets K-beauty apart is not only product quality, but also agility in development and a deep understanding of evolving consumer desires.

In the Q&A, Jim addressed questions ranging from market strategies in the Middle East - where Dr. Jart+ is among the top-selling brands at Sephora - to shifting gender norms in skincare. “There’s no longer a strict line between men’s and women’s products,” he stated, reflecting on how the industry has moved towards inclusive, skin-type-based formulations.

He also shared reflections on working within different corporate cultures, contrasting the U.S.'s market scale with France’s brand-centric, heritage-driven approach. Yet across all markets, the universal driver remains the same: innovation backed by cultural resonance.

The session concluded with enthusiastic applause and a renewed appreciation for the strategic thinking and cultural intelligence behind one of Korea’s most successful global beauty brands.