Brands With a Mission Celebrates 15 Years in Paris, Championing Purpose-Driven Business in a Shifting Global Economy
PARIS – A landmark gathering convened in Paris on Tuesday afternoon, marking the 15th anniversary of the influential "Brands With a Mission" event, meticulously hosted by its visionary co-founders, Karine Ohana and Susan Rockefeller. The celebration, held at the elegant Paris headquarters of Ohana & Co., the global investment banking firm co-led by Karine Ohana alongside her brothers Ariel and Laurent, brought together a diverse cohort of industry leaders, innovators, and advocates from across the globe, all united by a shared commitment to ethical enterprise and sustainable impact. This milestone event not only reflected on a decade and a half of fostering conscious capitalism but also charted a course for the future of business in an era defined by profound geopolitical, environmental, and social shifts.
The Enduring Vision: Meaningful Business in a Modern World
The essence of "Brands With a Mission" has always revolved around the conviction that commercial success and societal good are not mutually exclusive but rather inextricably linked. Karine Ohana, a prominent figure in investment banking with a deep focus on the luxury, fashion, and beauty sectors, articulated this foundational philosophy with clarity. "In life, you have to do meaningful things," Ohana stated, emphasizing the imperative for businesses to consider their impact on individuals, future generations, and the planet. She reflected on the event’s humble beginnings, describing "Brands With a Mission" as a dream that has not only materialized but has become increasingly pertinent and concrete in today’s dynamic landscape. Her sentiment underscored a powerful shift in corporate ethos: "Today, if you are not a brand with a mission, you have no reason to exist." This bold assertion resonates deeply within a global marketplace where consumers, investors, and employees are increasingly scrutinizing corporate values and demanding tangible contributions beyond profit margins.
Susan Rockefeller, an acclaimed documentary filmmaker, environmentalist, and entrepreneur, echoed Ohana’s perspective, providing a broader contextualization of the event’s heightened relevance. "We are at a real inflection point, especially if we think geopolitically about what’s happening with supply-chain issues," Rockefeller observed. Her remarks highlighted the interconnectedness of global challenges, from geopolitical tensions to logistical disruptions, and their profound impact on business operations and consumer consciousness. These complexities, she argued, compel individuals and organizations alike to re-evaluate their roles and responsibilities. "People are thinking: ‘What can we do to make a difference in our own lives?’ And also: ‘What kind of future do we want to imagine for ourselves, our children and our grandchildren?’" This introspective questioning, Rockefeller suggested, is driving a demand for brands that offer solutions, embody ethical practices, and contribute positively to the collective future.
A 15-Year Journey: From Sustainability to Systemic Change
The "Brands With a Mission" initiative commenced with a steadfast focus on sustainability, a concept that has evolved significantly over the past decade and a half. Initially, the discourse centered on environmental stewardship, promoting practices such as responsible sourcing, waste reduction, and energy efficiency. Over the years, this focus broadened to encompass innovative changes necessary for fostering a regenerative ecosystem and championing closed-loop manufacturing processes. This evolution mirrors the global understanding of sustainability itself, moving from mere harm reduction to active regeneration and systemic transformation.
Since its inception, the event has grown both in scope and influence, holding gatherings not only in Paris but also in dynamic cultural and commercial hubs such as Los Angeles and New York. This geographical expansion reflects the universal applicability of its core message and the growing international community of purpose-driven leaders. "It’s been growing in a very beautiful and also impactful way," Rockefeller noted, highlighting the organic yet profound development of the platform. The consistency of these events over 15 years underscores a sustained commitment to building a global network where ideas, innovations, and collaborations can flourish.
The Power of Connection: Forging a Common Vision
A cornerstone of the "Brands With a Mission" philosophy is the belief in the transformative power of collaboration. Both Ohana and Rockefeller frequently emphasize the importance of community and collective action in addressing complex global challenges. "The essence of what we’re trying to do is really connect people, let people network, and find a common vision and common ground," Rockefeller explained. This emphasis on networking goes beyond mere professional exchanges; it aims to cultivate a shared sense of purpose among diverse stakeholders. "We can’t just be one trying to make a difference. We have to work in community and work together. That’s one of the things I love most working with Karine." Their partnership exemplifies this collaborative spirit, demonstrating how complementary expertise and shared values can amplify impact.
This collaborative ethos is particularly vital in the current economic climate, where global supply chains are under unprecedented pressure and consumer trust is increasingly fragile. Data from recent market research consistently shows a rising preference among consumers for brands that demonstrate strong ethical credentials. A 2023 study by NielsenIQ, for instance, indicated that products marketed with sustainability claims saw a sales growth significantly higher than those without, highlighting a clear market advantage for purpose-driven businesses. Similarly, investor interest in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) funds has surged, with global ESG assets projected to exceed $50 trillion by 2025, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. This financial impetus further validates the "Brands With a Mission" premise that purpose is not just good for society, but also good for business.
Illuminating Discussions: Panels of Industry Leaders
The Paris anniversary event featured three distinguished panel discussions, each bringing together a curated group of leaders at the forefront of their respective industries, all grappling with the integration of mission and profit. These discussions served as vibrant platforms for sharing insights, challenges, and innovative solutions, embodying the collaborative spirit championed by Ohana and Rockefeller.
The first panel delved into the evolving landscape of sustainable innovation within global enterprises and emerging brands. It featured Alexandre Pagliano, managing director, global head of acquisitions, external growth, and corporate intelligence at L’Oréal. Pagliano’s participation underscored the commitment of major beauty conglomerates to integrating sustainability into their vast operations and acquisition strategies. Alongside him were Shaina Rainford, founder and chief executive officer of Bask & Lather Co., a brand likely focused on conscious consumerism in personal care; Lucy Goff, founder and CEO of Lyma, known for its high-tech wellness solutions; and Julian Bedel, founder and perfumer of Fueguia 1833, an artisanal fragrance house celebrated for its commitment to natural ingredients and ethical sourcing. Discussions likely revolved around scaling sustainable practices, navigating complex supply chains, and communicating authentic brand missions to discerning global consumers. The inclusion of both established giants and agile startups provided a rich comparative perspective on the challenges and opportunities in the mission-driven space.
The second panel, a focal point of the afternoon, brought together a formidable group of women leaders and innovators, including co-host Susan Rockefeller herself. She was joined by Sophie Lacoste, co-chair at Créations Fusalp, a premium skiwear brand that has embraced sustainable practices; Renata Mutis Black, co-founder at EBY, an underwear brand with a social mission to empower women through microfinance; Suzy Amis Cameron, founder and CEO of Inside Out, an organization dedicated to promoting plant-based living and environmental solutions; and Matteo Ward, CEO of Inside Out’s fashion, textiles, and home vertical. This panel offered a powerful exploration of how mission can be woven into the fabric of fashion, lifestyle, and social impact.
A significant revelation emerged during this panel: Inside Out, the impactful organization founded by Suzy Amis Cameron, announced its acquisition of Muses Neck Potion No. 9, the sensorial wellness brand founded by Susan Rockefeller. This acquisition represents a tangible manifestation of the "Brands With a Mission" ethos – a synergy between two purpose-driven entities to amplify their collective impact. Muses Neck Potion No. 9, with its focus on holistic well-being, now finds a synergistic home within Inside Out’s broader mission to foster a healthier planet and healthier people through conscious consumption and sustainable lifestyle choices. This strategic move highlights a growing trend of mission-aligned mergers and acquisitions, where value is measured not just in financial terms but also in shared purpose and expanded social or environmental reach.
The third and final panel provided insights into investment strategies and the future of beauty and wellness, bringing together financial acumen with entrepreneurial vision. This discussion featured Vasiliki Petrou, founder and CEO of Veralis Group Ltd. and managing partner at SEMCAP Beauty and Wellness, a testament to the increasing institutional investment in ethical consumer sectors. She was joined by Jeffrey Valenty, co-founder of Dazzle Dry, a nail care brand known for its clean and non-toxic formulations; Alec Batis, co-CEO and co-founder of Sweet Chemistry, a brand likely innovating in sustainable ingredients or production methods; and co-host Karine Ohana. This panel underscored the critical role of capital in fostering the growth of mission-driven brands, examining how investors evaluate, support, and scale businesses committed to both profit and purpose. The conversation likely addressed challenges in securing funding for innovative sustainable technologies, the importance of transparent impact metrics, and the projected growth trajectories for ethical beauty and wellness markets.
Broader Implications and the Road Ahead
The 15th anniversary of "Brands With a Mission" arrives at a pivotal moment. The global consciousness around climate change, social inequality, and ethical consumption has never been higher. The event serves as a crucial barometer for the evolving relationship between commerce and conscience. Karine Ohana’s background in investment banking, particularly in the luxury and beauty sectors, provides a unique lens through which to view these trends, demonstrating that financial rigor and ethical principles can indeed coalesce. Ohana & Co. itself, by hosting such an event, signals a growing trend among financial institutions to support and facilitate transactions that prioritize long-term value creation through sustainable practices.
Susan Rockefeller’s unwavering commitment to environmental advocacy and her entrepreneurial ventures further cement the idea that purpose must be embedded at every level of an organization. Her work, spanning film, philanthropy, and product development, exemplifies the multi-faceted approach required to address complex global issues.
The longevity and expanding influence of "Brands With a Mission" are indicative of a fundamental shift in the business paradigm. It is no longer sufficient for brands to merely comply with regulations or engage in superficial corporate social responsibility initiatives. True impact requires deep integration of mission into core business strategy, product development, supply chain management, and corporate culture. The dialogues facilitated by Ohana and Rockefeller empower leaders to navigate this complex terrain, fostering a community where best practices are shared, collaborations are forged, and the collective pursuit of a better future remains paramount. As geopolitical uncertainties persist and the imperative for environmental action intensifies, events like "Brands With a Mission" will only grow in their significance, serving as vital platforms for shaping a more responsible, resilient, and purposeful global economy.
