Making an impact is part of the job description at Kenvue, but what is it actually like to be a Kenvuer?
For an insider’s view, get to know Anthony Dunn, Marketing Director for Northern Europe’s Skin Health & Hair Care sector, and see how he stays agile as a marketer while fostering a community of allyship and connection throughout Kenvue.
When did you start working with Kenvue brands?
I started working with Kenvue as an intern 16 years ago, focusing primarily on Aveeno® and Clean & Clear®. While most of my time since then was spent on self care – cough, cold, allergy, smoking cessation and digestive health – two years ago, I made my way back to skin health. It’s a real “full circle’” moment to now be the director of the skin health & hair care portfolio. I worked my way through all of the levels of marketing, first focusing on just the UK, then expanding to Ireland and Northern Europe, which includes the Nordic markets, too.
What does a “Squad” Director do at Kenvue?
As “Squad”, or Marketing Director, across Kenvue’s skin health and hair categories in Northern Europe, I lead all marketing efforts from commercial strategy to shopper and regulatory. I oversee the marketing and cross-functional teams growing our iconic brands: Aveeno®, Neutrogena®, OGX®, Regaine®, Piz Buin®, Clean & Clear®, Johnson’s® Adult and Maui Moisture®. Every day is ever-changing and different, and that’s what I love about it. It’s why I studied marketing — I always admired variety and the need to be agile. Of course, we plan things out to the best of our ability and have structure around what we do, but if there’s a new trend, we need to act quickly and adapt our strategy.
What is something exciting you’ve worked on lately?
The way people discover skincare has dramatically shifted in recent years, so we have also shifted the way we get the word out about our brilliant products. We’ve had a massive transformation on Aveeno® in the UK in the way that we’ve partnered with influencers. Our ethos is to foster genuine relationships with people who already use the brand and love the products, so consumers can trust the recommendations they’re seeing across their socials.
What are some of the rewarding elements of your job?
Working in a local market, you have a close connection with the consumers, shoppers and influencers, and we see people discover products firsthand and find they are transformational for their skin. We’ve heard so many powerful consumer stories around how brands like Aveeno® have positively impacted their skin and overall well-being. We’re on the front line and there’s a real satisfaction in seeing the direct and almost immediate impact of the work that we do.
What are a few words you would use to describe working at Kenvue?
Energizing! There’s a real tangible culture. It’s people first and there’s a very clear mission. And purposeful: We couldn’t have a clearer purpose than to “Realize the extraordinary power of everyday care,” and that’s really motivating in our work.
Passion: The people in the company are so dedicated to doing the absolute best that we can for our consumers and the brands. There’s that real feeling of stewardship, that if we take something on, we want to leave it in a better place than it was when we started working on it.
What advice would you give someone entering the workforce?
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. You’re not going to be perfect, and in fact, you’re going to make some mistakes, and they’re going to be helpful! Don’t get too down about them. See everything as a learning opportunity.
It’s also important to acknowledge the fact that you can, even as an intern, create a real impact in your team from day one. Think about what you’d like your impact to be and speak to your peers about how to create it. You’ll leave with a great sense of achievement.
Lastly, what are the essentials in your medicine cabinet?
As I head toward my forties, I’ve started using Neutrogena®’s Rapid Wrinkle Repair line, which is amazing. I’m a big Neutrogena fan and use quite a few products in our Hydro Boost line, as well.
LISTERINE® is a definite daily go-to from an oral care perspective, and then Sudafed® is my absolute go-to if I ever have congestion! Our nasal spray is an amazing product that works when you need it most.