O&M is pleased to announce the appointment of industry veteran Chris Hammond to a newly created Managing Director role, as the brand accelerates its global growth strategy. With more than 20 years of experience across the professional haircare industry spanning Australia, the UK and the US, Hammond joins O&M at a pivotal moment for the business, following rapid growth across the US and other international markets.
O&M Founder Jose Bryce Smith said Hammond’s appointment comes at a significant moment in the brand’s growth journey. “Chris has come on board at a really exciting time for O&M. With rapidly growing demand for the brand globally, we’re focused on taking O&M to more salons and customers around the world, and Chris is the right person to support us through that.
I’ve known Chris for more than 20 years, and one of the things I admire most about him is that he’s still the same person today as when I first met him. He’s authentic, cares deeply about people and brings a great energy wherever he goes. That’s always been important to us at O&M, which is why he feels like such a natural fit for our team and community.
His experience building and distributing brands will be invaluable as we continue to grow in Australia and internationally. It also gives me the opportunity to spend more time focused on the brand’s vision, knowing the business is being supported by someone who understands what we’re about.
Chris often says he’s here to look after the people, and that’s something I strongly believe in too. O&M has always been built for Originals, and I believe that if you look after your people, they’ll look after your customers.
Together, we’ll continue to push ourselves to innovate, research and develop the cleanest, high performing haircare in the world.”
Managing Director Chris said the opportunity to join O&M was driven by the brand’s strength, its founder and the significant opportunity ahead.
“What attracted me to O&M was the combination of an incredible founder story, a truly authentic brand identity and a business that still has enormous opportunity ahead of it. Jose has built something very special and there’s a real warmth, energy and loyalty around the brand that you can feel immediately.
I’m excited to join the business at this stage because of the potential for the next chapter of growth. O&M already has a strong foundation, an incredibly passionate team and a very clear point of difference in the market.
I see a huge opportunity to continue strengthening the brand globally while also supporting salons in a meaningful way here in Australia and abroad. My ambition is to build on the amazing work that’s already been done and continue elevating every part of the business, from customer experience and education through to operational alignment and global growth.
I want O&M to continue being one of the most respected, progressive and loved brands in professional haircare.”
