Meet CIBS’ New President

Jo-Anne Greco, an experienced beauty industry professional, will serve the Cosmetic Industry Buyers and Suppliers (CIBS) group as president for 2016. She began her career at Avon in the purchasing and inventory control group, then moved to California to work for Giorgio Beverly Hills [which was a division of Avon at that time] in the packaging and purchasing department.

Upon returning to NYC in 1994, she moved into the sales arena, working for companies including Rexam, Geka U.S., Flexpaq/Ileos, Cosmolab and LePapillon Ltd.  She is currently an independent contractor at JSG Consultants LLC.

Jamie Matusow asked Jo-Anne about her history with the CIBS organization, and what she hopes to achieve with networking events designed to bring together brand buyers and suppliers.

Jamie Matusow:  How did you get involved with CIBS and why?

Jo-Anne Greco: Upon my relocation back to NYC from California, I felt I needed an outlet to help me network back into the cosmetic and fragrance industry. At the suggestion of a co-worker, I quickly applied and was accepted into CIBS in 1995 at which time I began attending luncheons and various organization events. CIBS introduced me to a fabulous cross-section of people who proved to be very beneficial for my personal and professional growth.

JM:  How has CIBS helped you with your career?

JG: Being involved in CIBS has enabled me to develop my network of customers and suppliers, and has provided me with an extremely broad knowledge of the industry. CIBS has also helped introduce me to many helpful, knowledgeable, and amazing people that I consider my second family, rather than just customers or peers.
JM: Why did you want to become president of CIBS?

JG: The Cosmetics and Fragrance Industry has played a huge role in my personal and professional career. I was given the opportunity to join the industry many years ago when Mike Zimmer, Sr., at Avon, hired me. The experience has been fulfilling from the start, and I felt that by becoming president, it would enable me to “give back” to an industry and a group of people that have been so supportive of me.

JM: What do you hope to accomplish in this role?

JG: As president I would like to help the organization to continue to evolve into one of the premier networking and support systems in our industry.

JM:  Can you tell me about some of this year’s events?

JG: Every year our goal is to plan events that provide our group with a platform to encourage members to stay connected and involved. This year our luncheons will be held at the prestigious Manhattan Club. The CIBS luncheons provide a wonderful networking opportunity for members and their guests. In addition, we have exciting Spring and Fall cocktail parties, Summer events and a wonderful end-of-year Holiday Ball. We encourage all members and non-members to attend as many of our functions as possible, and to stay connected by visiting the website, which is constantly updated with event dates and information. We are also working on becoming more involved in social media, and are making additions to the website, which will help everyone to learn more about CIBS and its board members. Anyone visiting the website can sign up for events, as well as apply for membership by simply downloading the application and forwarding to the Membership team.