It’s Carol Hamilton’s last official week at L’Oréal, and the executive is in her happy space: the 100,000-square foot West Coast campus of the world’s largest beauty company, which she was charged with designing and executing during the dark days of the pandemic.  

“This project personifies so much of how I feel about the beauty industry and my run at L’Oréal,” said Hamilton, who is retiring after a 40-year career that saw her rise through the ranks from a junior marketer on the L’Oréal Paris brand to the very highest echelons of the business, running key brands and divisions and, most recently as group president of acquisitions. “It’s interesting to have one place that is so important as a symbol of the progression of your career.”

Hamilton’s goal in designing the offices was to bring the industry to life, reflecting the dynamism of both the business and consumers, enabling L’Oréal’s four West Coast-based brands to commingle, collaborate and create a culture of connection with consumers and coworkers alike.

“What I really wanted to do was create a long-lasting and best-of-class experience that celebrated the kind of people L’Oréalians are,” mused Hamilton, who said that after touring the space, L’Oréal Luxe president Cyril Chapuy told her, ‘It’s very clear that someone who deeply knows and deeply loves L’Oréal worked on the building.’”

“That summarizes exactly what I was trying to do,” said Hamilton. “I felt so much personal gratification in getting that validation.”

That is just one highlight in Hamilton’s storied career, which CEW is recognizing her for with its Lifetime Achievement Award during the 50^th annual Achiever Awards being held on Wednesday. Hamilton is one of just a handful of people to be thus recognized; past recipients include Leonard A. Lauder, Clinique’s Lynne Greene, and Karen Fondu, who herself succeeded Hamilton as head of L’Oréal Paris when Hamilton was promoted to lead the Luxe division in the U.S. in 2008.

“I’m so honored to receive this — a lifetime achievement award says it is encompassing, not just in years, but in scope and impact,” said Hamilton, who has been a board member of the organization since 1997 and was one of the very earliest supporters of its philanthropic arm, Cancer & Careers.

“CEW is so important — it created a foothold for women to be able to network and understand the larger beauty industry,” she continued. “The fact that it has remained true to its cause is exemplary. Women should have their own board representing them, especially in a business so dependent on women.”

Over the course of her career, Hamilton chalked up many big wins, and has been a core part of the team that helped L’Oréal evolve from what was essentially an affiliate office with a small outpost at 530 Fifth Avenue in New York City into L’Oréal’s second-largest market globally. Known for her sharp strategic acumen, endless energy and deep laugh, Hamilton’s impact extended far beyond just growing the P&L, however.

As she grew in her career, she continually pressed herself to do better, learn more and create deeper connections, with her team and with consumers. Those who know her well know that once she has decided on a course of action, she is single-minded in her pursuit of it.

For example, Hamilton took the reins of the Luxe division in the U.S. during the 2008 recession. Despite the challenging business circumstances, one of her first actions was to charge each brand under her purview with developing a philanthropic initiative and purpose. “That way our employees could dream about changing the world instead of, ‘oh no, I’m down 40 percent in Nordstrom!’” she said.

“We didn’t know when the black cloud was going to lift, but we knew everything we did between now and then would help us be in a better position and that we had to seek out initiatives that were progressive for the future so that we didn’t spiral into depression,” she continued. “I realized there are leadership qualities you need to choose in the context of the times that may be different from other times.”

Another key lesson: Know your worth. When faced with office politics, Hamilton never let her emotions get in the way of her accomplishments. “I believe all career decisions should be made on the office, never out of anger or hurt,” she said.  “Always think about the long game. Yes, you have to prove yourself, but also be clear about your contributions.”

As for what’s next? While Hamilton is retiring from L’Oréal, she has no plans to step away from the industry that she adores. “I’m looking at this as a new beginning, a new chapter, that will allow me to focus on the things I love most,” said Hamilton. “I’ve always wanted to combine philanthropy, social impact and beauty, and now I’ll have more time to do that. Everything I’m doing must have a positive impact on the world — otherwise, why do it!”