Click on the video above to watch the full episode, filmed in Singapore by Alexander Roux for The Moodie Davitt Report
Introduction: In this episode of Moodie Davitt Showtime, Duty Free Global Founder Barry Geoghegan, Brandepot Founder Won Kim, K-World Beauty Chief Executive Jonathan Holland and Duty Free Global Commercial Associate Ben Geoghegan discuss the launch of K-World Beauty – a new venture designed to accelerate the global expansion of Korean beauty in travel retail.
Announced in May, the partnership combines Duty Free Global’s international distribution network with Brandepot’s expertise in sourcing and developing Korean beauty brands.
The companies have also appointed respected travel retail executive Jonathan Holland as Chief Executive Officer, with the next generation of both family businesses – Ben Geoghegan and Hailey Kim – taking leading operational roles.
In this quickfire roundtable interview, the partners outlined their ambitions for the business and how friendship, family values and complementary expertise are shaping the venture.
Together, they aim to launch a robust platform to introduce a diverse portfolio of high-quality Korean beauty products to global customers.
Duty Free Global Founder Barry Geoghegan described the partnership as both a professional and personal milestone. “It has been a privilege to bring together friends and partners from across the industry. We’ve known each other for many years, and this collaboration allows us to build a family business and create a legacy around exceptional Korean beauty products.
“Jonathan brings invaluable experience to the partnership. He has been integral in developing the beauty business across Asia, particularly Korean beauty. Won and I have worked together previously in the wines & spirits sector.”
Barry Geoghegan added: “While beauty is a new category for me, I know the importance of working with experienced partners. The fact that both Won’s family and my family are involved makes this especially meaningful. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this collaboration.”
The appointment of Holland brings decades of travel retail beauty experience to the new business. He led Elizabeth Arden in Asia Pacific before serving as Managing Director Asia Pacific for YSL Beauté and later founded Jonathan Holland & Associates, building brands including Laneige and Sulwhasoo into major forces across Asia travel retail before driving the international expansion of Dr. Jart+.
Reflecting on his return to the industry, Holland said: “It’s an exciting opportunity. The products are outstanding, and I’m working with people who are true professionals. I’m delighted to be part of the team and help take the business forward. K-beauty is one of the hottest categories in the market today, making this the ideal time for a project like this.”
Brandepot Founder Won Kim said now is the right moment for Korean beauty to expand further in international travel retail.
“I’ve been involved in the Korean travel retail market since 1997,” Won said. “I started in wines & spirits, so I’ve seen how market trends evolve.
“Around the world, demand for Korean culture continues to grow through films, food and entertainment, and that has created strong interest in Korean beauty products. We have been developing these brands within the Korean travel retail market, and now the time is right to introduce them more widely to international travellers. Now it’s the time for Korean beauty.
“I’m also very pleased to be working with close friends,” Won added. “Another important aspect of this partnership is the legacy we’re creating by bringing together the second generation of our family businesses, including my daughter. That makes this a genuine family business for the future.”
The emphasis on family values is reflected in the leadership roles being assumed by Ben Geoghegan and Hailey Kim, who will help drive the venture’s commercial development.
Ben Geoghegan said the opportunity to work alongside established industry figures represented a milestone in his career.
“It’s a real privilege,” he said. “This gives me the opportunity to be part of a unique industry. Thanks to Won and his team, we’ve been able to build an outstanding portfolio that simply wouldn’t have been possible without this partnership.
“Working alongside Won and his family, while bringing together two family businesses, feels like a natural fit. Having Jonathan as a mentor and benefitting from his experience is another huge advantage. I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity. I am excited to help bring these products to travel retail, continue learning and develop my career.” ✈
