Industry executive brings more than 20 years of experience scaling iconic beauty and skincare brands worldwide

Co-Founder Melissa Palmer will continue to advance OSEA’s mission as Chief Brand Officer, driving brand, marketing and product innovation initiatives

OSEA Malibu (“OSEA”), the pioneering seaweed-infused skincare brand that has set the standard in clean, clinically proven beauty for nearly 30 years, today announced the appointment of Erika Kussmann as Chief Executive Officer and Board Director. She succeeds Co-Founder Melissa Palmer, who will continue to advance OSEA’s mission as Chief Brand Officer, driving brand, marketing and product innovation initiatives.

Kussmann is a highly regarded beauty executive with over two decades of experience scaling consumer brands globally. Most recently, she served as CEO and previously as CMO of Paula’s Choice, where she led the company through transformative growth, evolving it from a digital-native pioneer into an omnichannel powerhouse. Prior to that, she held leadership roles at Rodan + Fields, Benefit Cosmetics and Revlon.

Kussmann joins OSEA at a moment of strong momentum and will closely partner with Mother-Daughter founders Jenefer and Melissa Palmer to expand the brand’s global presence, deepen product innovation and strengthen its category leadership in prestige body and skincare.

“OSEA is a brand I have long admired for its integrity, proven results and enduring commitment to quality through clean, ocean-powered products,” said Erika Kussmann, incoming CEO of OSEA. “OSEA leads by standing apart—blending efficacy with wellness to create the differentiated experiences consumers crave while redefining what skincare can be. Customers who know about OSEA have fallen in love and we believe this is just the start. I am thrilled to join Jenefer, Melissa and the OSEA team to extend the brand’s international presence and strengthen its position in prestige body and skincare.”

“I was passionate about finding the perfect CEO with the expertise and experience to support OSEA’s global expansion,” said Melissa Palmer, Co-Founder and Chief Brand Officer of OSEA. “Erika’s leadership and proven ability to scale mission-driven brands globally make her the right partner for this next chapter. Her vision for bringing OSEA’s products to more people around the world aligns beautifully with our founding values and the brand’s strong momentum. I’m excited to closely collaborate with Erika as we continue to grow OSEA – anchoring our work in sustainability and wellness.”

Founded in 1996 in Malibu, California, OSEA was created by three generations of women harnessing the healing power of the sea to develop seaweed-infused skincare with clinically proven results. Nearly three decades later, the brand continues to transform skincare routines into moments of self-care through sustainable, ocean-positive formulas. OSEA has earned awards for its iconic Undaria Algae Body Oil and expanded its portfolio to more than 50 face, body, wellness and professional products. The brand serves luxury spas worldwide and continues to grow through retail partnerships with Ulta Beauty in the U.S. and Mexico, Erewhon, Nordstrom and MECCA in Australia.

About OSEA

OSEA is clean, clinically proven skincare from the sea. Mother-Daughter founders Jenefer and Melissa Palmer launched the brand in 1996 in Malibu, California, inspired by the healing power of the ocean. For nearly 30 years, OSEA has set a new industry standard for clean beauty with seaweed-infused skincare rooted in results-driven formulations and a holistic approach to wellness and self-care. Today, OSEA’s assortment includes over 50 face, body, wellness and professional products that are sustainable and ocean-positive. OSEA serves luxury spas around the world and is available through retail partners including Ulta Beauty, Erewhon, Nordstrom and MECCA. OSEA also operates its Skincare Studio in Venice, California. Learn more at oseamalibu.com.

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