Madison Reed, a fast-growing hair care startup based in San Francisco, has announced that master colorist David Stanko has accepted the newly created role of Vice President, Technical Design and Education.

Madison Reed has set out to revolutionize the at-home hair color category with its salon-quality formulas delivered for under $25. Its team uses technology to ensure women choose the right colors. 

Prior, Stanko was brand ambassador for Redken 5th Avenue NYC, a division of L'Oreal. For more than 21 years, Stanko played a pivotal role in Redken's global product launches, including educating and inspiring hair color professionals around the world.

Madison Reed CEO and founder Amy Errett comments, "We are at a pivotal moment...David will ensure our clients continue to have a phenomenal experience while we quickly grow the company...David's formula acumen and artistry are incredible resources for our team as we expand our product portfolio."

Recently, the company announced $25 million in venture capital funding – led by Comcast Ventures – to fund the national expansion of Madison Reed Color Bars, the first of which recently opened in NYC.

In Stanko's new role, he will travel globally to work with the company's manufacturers and suppliers. He will also direct the training of Madison Reed's Color Crew, a team of certified colorists who provide color services at Madison Reed Color Bars and consult with clients in person and via phone, email, online chat, and Facebook Messenger.

Stanko says, "The deep relationship between colorists and their clients is based on trust, communication and education. You can have the best products in the world, but for the customer to have success, she has to learn about the product. Education is in my DNA, and I can't wait to bring my experience to Madison Reed."

Stanko continues, "This company is such an interesting disruptor...The traditional boundaries between at home and the salon are disintegrating, and Madison Reed is at the epicenter of a new way to think about color and beauty. I couldn't be more thrilled to be joining this company at such an exciting time." 

Stanko is relocating to San Francisco, but he will frequently return to New York to continue his longstanding relationship with Licari Cutler Salon on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue.