Thia Breen has announced her decision to retire after a 40-year career at The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (ELC). Breen most recently served as group president, North America. She will be succeeded by Chris Good, president, UK and Ireland.

In 2009, Breen became the first executive to assume the role of president, North America, and was promoted to group president in 2012. She is credited for having implemented influential retail strategies, and strategic capabilities to diversify and strengthen the company’s portfolio success in North America. She also helped establish the organizational structure for the Canada business in 2011.

Previously, she held numerous leadership positions spanning many of the company’s other brands including Clinique, Aramis and Origins. Since 2015, Breen has also served as chair of the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), and will continue to serve her current PCPC term through February 2018.

“Thia is an exceptional leader and visionary, as well as a strong role model and mentor to leaders, particularly women leaders, in the business. Her signature leadership across our brands and in North America has made an indelible mark on our company,” said William P. Lauder, executive chairman.