L'Oréal has announced the appointment of Nicolas Hieronimus to the newly-created position of deputy chief executive. He has been with the company since 1987 when he joined as product manager. The news has led some in the industry to speculate that he may be in line to take over at some point for Jean-Paul Agon, L'Oréal's chairman and CEO. According to the group, during Hieronimus's 30-year career at L'Oréal, he is credited for having developed the skin care business, with the creation of Dermo Expertise, Solar Expertise and Men Expert. In January 2011, he was appointed president L'Oréal Luxe and, in July 2013, also took on a new position as president Selective Divisions (Luxury, Active Cosmetics, Professional Products, The Body Shop).