Beauty Case Study
A CMO to Write Magic Molecule's Next Chapter
A category-defining science brand entering its next stage of growth
Magic Science Corporation leads the way in HOCL-powered skincare and surface-care innovations. Its flagship brand, Magic Molecule, has achieved significant success across direct-to-consumer channels and emerging retail markets. Additionally, SkinSmart and CleanSmart expand the company's product lineup into FDA- and EPA-regulated categories, respectively.
After a strategic investment from private equity (PE) in 2025, the company reached a critical juncture. The Founder and CEO recognized the need for an experienced marketing leader to develop a unified brand strategy for their diverse portfolio and guide the business into its next phase of growth.
A first-ever CMO hire with high expectations
This role required an executive who could apply blue-chip discipline within the fast-paced, resource-constrained setting of a PE-backed consumer brand. The new CMO was also expected to work from the New York office three days a week to ensure close collaboration with the founder and other team leaders.
Challenge
A first-ever CMO hire with high expectations
This role required an executive who could apply blue-chip discipline within the fast-paced, resource-constrained setting of a PE-backed consumer brand. The new CMO was also expected to work from the New York office three days a week to ensure close collaboration with the founder and other team leaders.
One portfolio. Three brands. Multiple growth channels.
The CMO would lead efforts to boost consumer awareness and deepen brand affinity for Magic Molecule, while simultaneously scaling direct-to-consumer (DTC), retail, and Amazon channels (especially increasing the share for SkinSmart and CleanSmart on Amazon). The new leader would also build a comprehensive marketing department from the ground up. Additionally, the CMO was expected to implement an ROI-driven performance marketing strategy with a focus on disciplined marketing investments.
A rare profile in a competitive market
The ideal candidate would have experience working at large CPG companies, along with a background in scaling high-growth brands under private equity ownership. Key requirements included an omnichannel experience, Amazon expertise, and a proven track record of growing both brand awareness and revenue. Finding a leader who could combine these diverse abilities within a hybrid New York City operational model further narrowed the pool of qualified candidates.
Solution
A search built for omnichannel complexity
ForceBrands executed a national search calibrated to Magic Science’s specific needs: blue-chip pedigree, PE-ready adaptability, and proven leadership across retail, digital, and Amazon.
Candidates were evaluated for:
- Experience scaling consumer brands across multiple growth channels
- Ability to build lean teams with clear commercial priorities
- Comfort operating in founder-led, hands-on environments
- Track record of measurable brand and revenue impact
- Alignment with the cultural dynamics of both the brand and its PE partner
ForceBrands’ category fluency and proven founder-to-investor alignment were instrumental. Understanding the expectations of both the founder and the PE team helped curate a candidate slate that struck a balance of creativity, commercial discipline, and partnership readiness. This dual alignment of brand and investor is a core ForceBrands advantage and played a defining role in the final match.
The Result
The right CMO hired in 90 days
Within three months, ForceBrands presented a top-notch short list of six impressive candidates, from which Magic Science selected the ideal Chief Marketing Officer.
The new CMO offers a rare blend of strategic leadership, execution skills, and PE background, all of which are vital to the company. He has a proven track record of leading marketing transformations and significantly growing portfolios, including expanding a personal care brand to six times its original size and launching a major online sales channel that exceeds $70 million. His senior leadership experience covers brand development, innovation, and category management, with extensive work across mass retail (including large department stores), digital platforms, and online retailers. Known for building high-performing teams and balancing creative branding with commercial results, the inaugural CMO is also based locally and meets the hybrid in-office requirements.
Under the leadership of its first-ever Chief Marketing Officer, Magic Science is embarking on a new phase of significant channel and portfolio expansion across its three brands.