The Value in Values

Phil Kowalczyk
President
The Body Shop Americas Region
Raleigh, N.C.

With apologies to Joni Mitchell, Phil Kowalczyk has looked at retailing from both sides now, having served with several iconic retailers and a renowned global consultancy in a career spanning more than a quarter-century.

Kowalczyk began as a domestic buyer for the Shillito-Rikes division of Federated Department Stores in 1982. He joined Kurt Salmon Associates in 1987 and worked there for 17 years, including a two-year stint as KSA’s European service leader for supply chain and quick response. He returned to retailing in 2004 as chief administration officer for Talbots, and two years later became president of J. Jill. He was named to his current position one year ago.

As president of The Body Shop Americas Region, Kowalczyk is responsible for 461 stores and the online channel in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Do founder Anita Roddick’s philosophies remain at The Body Shop?
Anita’s unwavering belief that business could and should be a force for positive change remains at the heart of our business. And though I never met her, she has become a role model. I’ve read her books, asked questions about her and now work with many people who knew her very well. What I’m learning about and being asked to bring to my role is her passion — for building the brand, for customers, for causes and for finding natural solutions to skin and body care.

While The Body Shop is the authentic and original “green brand,” we are much more than just environmentally focused. We have an amazing system of values that includes protection of animals, promoting self-esteem and standing up for human rights issues.

Our Community Trade program benefits more than 25,000 producers in some of the poorest parts of the world just by ensuring a fair deal for those people. The natural ingredients we source are high-quality organic, so our customers benefit, too.

What responsibility do you have as caretaker of a brand’s DNA?
One of my personal passions is the restoration of houses, and I bring the idea of restoration — rather than renovation — to my professional side. I’ve chosen to be part of brands and businesses that have a “soul” and real purpose. By digging into the archives and history, we’ve found elements that make the brand great in the customers’ eyes. We then create ways to make the business fresh and new. That’s particularly true at The Body Shop because of its strong history as the original “natural and ethical” beauty brand.

A particular favorite from the product line?
My personal favorite is the Shea Body Butter. The moisture delivery comes from the oil of the shea nut, not some chemical. It’s harvested without disruption to the environment and extracted through a women’s cooperative in Ghana, where we have a long-standing fair-trade agreement.

A recent book on the nightstand?
In anticipation of launching our newest campaign to stop child trafficking [into prostitution and other types of forced labor] I read Somaly Mam’s “The Road of Lost Innocence,” as her foundation is one of our fund-raising recipients. It truly opened my eyes. I’m particularly proud to see our people rallying to raise awareness and funds for those working to end child trafficking. Somaly recently visited some of our stores to thank the teams for the work they had done. It was very powerful.

What’s inspiring you now?
Resiliency. These are difficult times for many folks, yet I regularly learn of people who have faced adversity, change and challenge only to come out stronger, wiser and even with a new sense of humility. They say that difficulty builds character; what I’m seeing on a daily basis are people using difficulty to reveal character.

What do you do with down time?
I’m happy to do most anything as long as it is with my family. Our preference is to be outdoors, biking, hiking, swimming and discovering new places.

A treasured possession?
On our first wedding anniversary, my wife gave me a special watch. I wear that watch almost every day, and when I am catching a quick glance to check the time I am reminded there is nothing greater than love.