Keune UK, a leading multination haircosmetics brand specialising in high-quality professional products for the beauty industry, announces the appointment of Jo McKay and JR Slane to its growing team.
Jo McKay joins the Bloom x Keune team as Master Colour Ambassador and brings considerable industry experience, having been hairdressing for more than 31 years. As a technical specialist, Jo has travelled the world developing bespoke education programmes to suit individuals or teams and conducted main stage seminar presentations to a world-wide audience. Jo has had her own collections published in leading magazines and has supported numerous salons support with shows and photo shoots.
In her new position, Jo will be demonstrating all the possibilities of Keune colour at its best, supporting the knowledge and skills of the hairdresser through education for the brand, while running a column in the House of Keune by Bloom to service her clients & supporting training and career development for the Bloom team in London, and directing the creative image of the Bloom salon group’s colour offering.
Of her new role, Jo says: “Coming from a family of hairdressers, I love the fact that Keune is a family-owned company with such heritage. I’m so excited to start my role and join Keune on its new journey in the UK.”
JR Slane joins the Bloom team as Creative Director and Salon Partner. JR has extensive industry experience, having undergone his formal education at Vidal Sassoon, where he quickly established a reputation as a leading creative and educator and has travelled the world to share his knowledge with the wider hairdressing industry.
JR takes responsibility for recruiting, training and career development for the Bloom team in London, designing and delivering the guest experience and directing the creative image of the Bloom salon group.
“Seeing the value Keune puts on its salons is really important to me,” says JR. “The fact that the company is 100% loyal to the industry by only selling the brand within salons really ensures our business comes first, and being 100 years old this year is incredible.”
Darren Potter, general manager of Keune UK, said, “We are delighted to welcome Jo and JR to the Keune team. Both are hugely experienced and talented and I’m confident that their considerable industry experience and reputation will help make a real difference to the ongoing success of the business over the coming years.”
Both Jo and JR will be based at Keune’s new flagship training academy – a 5,700 square foot, state-of-the-art development in Holborn, Central London – which will boast a coffee shop & bakery, Keune UK headquarters and the House of Keune by Bloom, a 29-seat luxurious salon opening in September 2022.
Keune, currently active in 85 countries, has recently published its first Sustainability Report, designed to ensure a long-term vision focused on enhancing the well-being of the company’s employees and society at large. The report highlights the brand’s overarching strategic pillars – Enhancing Wellbeing, Sustainable Production and Sustainable Products & Packaging – all of which have time-bound targets and all play a central role in integrating sustainability into the business operations.