Nicolas Hieronimus

Who would think that L’Oréal, the 116-year-old global beauty conglomerate, could convince the world it’s a tech firm? Its CEO, Nicolas Hieronimus, has successfully made the case. The parent company of powerhouse brands like Maybelline, Lancôme, and Garnier, and a range of cult-favorite brands like Aesop and Kiehl’s, has made AI a key focus of its business model. It’s using generative AI to both discover new compounds for its products and create a cutting-edge, highly precise buying experience for its customers. Though he was only named CEO in 2021, inside the company, Hieronimus is a familiar face: He started his career there in 1987 and has never left. L’Oréal reported 5.1% growth for its full fiscal year 2024 and sales of €43.48 billion. Notably, its impressive ability to bring new products to market made L’Oréal the leader in Fortune’s new ranking of Europe’s Most Innovative Companies.

Read more: ‘Whenever we see a small company with a good idea, we’re on fire’: How M&A and innovation keep L’Oréal ahead in global beauty