Renowned hair industry leader Stephanie Mason has been appointed as the new Global Managing Director of Cloud Nine, where she will spearhead the brand’s growth worldwide. Her leadership will helm a bold rebrand for Cloud Nine, drawing on Stephanie’s vast experience, having founded and built Showpony hair extensions to 22 countries before selling it to Kevin Murphy in 2023 and having scaled several companies globally.
“We’re not only entering a new phase of exponential growth here at Cloud Nine; we’re also doing it differently,” Stephanie said. “Our rebrand is not just meaningful—it’s grounded in our values, with product innovation and excellence at the core. These, combined with team talent and working in close partnership with stylists, will see Cloud Nine instil a new era in heat hair styling. One where consumers will actively seek out our Intelligent Hair Technology—tools which adapt to your hair’s specific needs to promote strength, glossiness and long-lasting health.”
“Cloud Nine Honorary Chair, Susan Powls, has always been a great inspiration to me. Entrepreneurial success stories like Susan’s—raw, authentic, and powerful—are the foundation of our brand and, I believe, the key to connecting with our customers on an even deeper level,” she added. “As women, we all know what it’s like to be written out of the narrative—now it’s time to own our triumphs and support others to do the same.”
Cloud Nine is committed to kind styling and strong, glossy, long-lasting results, without heat damage, thanks to dynamic, tailored irons with 11 heat settings, pressure-reducing Revive Mode® and Sericite® plates for even heat distribution. With these features, the brand is proud to be the first and only styling tool brand to join the GenM Collective and earn MTick® certification for its menopause-friendly hair straighteners. Cloud Nine also offers hair brushes committed to minimising breakage, with the brand prioritising individual needs and hair health at its core. Stephanie will continue to drive these values on a global scale.
“Since joining the business earlier this year, Stephanie’s expertise and contribution have proved invaluable to fuelling our continued double-digit growth,” said Martin Rae, Chairman of Cloud Nine. “Female leadership has always been a huge part of Cloud Nine. When my mum first founded ghd in the early 2000s, she was an innovator who fought hard to have her ideas acknowledged. As a business where 67 per cent of our workforce is female, we’re proud to continue our legacy of elevating and crediting leaders like Stephanie Mason. It’s important for our brand, the industry and our team that women are front and centre as we champion this new era of healthy hair styling.”
In this major transitional period for the brand, Cloud Nine has also appointed Tim Banks as Head of Sales for Australia and New Zealand, utilising his over two decades of commercial and leadership experience in the professional beauty and haircare industry in this new role. Tim comes from a role as Director of Sales & Education at NAK Hair, where he led the company’s domestic and international sales strategy, prepared the business for private equity acquisition and increased the brand’s revenue across his tenure, making him the ideal addition to this role. Tim has also held senior leadership positions at for Nestlé Skin Health and Goldwell and founded his own tech-based beauty business, which was acquired by L’Oréal.
“We are thrilled to welcome Tim to the Cloud Nine team,” Stephanie shared. “His deep understanding of the salon industry, combined with his passion for brand-building and people leadership, makes him an invaluable asset as we continue to grow across Australia and New Zealand.”
“I’m proud to join the Cloud Nine team at such a pivotal moment for the brand, as we prepare to take the category head-on with some world-class rebranding and forward-thinking vision. The people, products and culture here are truly inspiring,” Tim added.
For more information about Cloud Nine visit www.cloudninehair.com.au
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