Phytomer takes majority stake in UK and Ireland business as it relaunches regional operation

Phytomer has relaunched its UK and Ireland operation following the acquisition of a majority stake in the regional business by the brand’s French parent company.

The family-owned marine biotechnology and professional skincare company became the majority shareholder of its UK and Irish business in March 2026. The move forms part of a wider strategy to increase investment, strengthen support for existing accounts and develop new partnerships with spas and salons across both markets. Fiona Peerless will continue to lead the regional operation as managing director, working alongside newly appointed strategic business consultants Clair Davidson and Sam Humby-Frost. Davidson and Humby-Frost have been brought in to support the brand’s renewed growth strategy, including developing new accounts, strengthening existing relationships and helping spa operators create commercially successful treatment and retail programmes.

The third-generation company is led by Lagarde and Mathilde Gédouin-Lagarde and was founded in Saint-Malo, Brittany, in 1972. It specialises in professional treatments and skincare products developed using marine ingredients and biotechnology.

Phytomer currently works with more than 10,000 spas across over 80 countries. Its existing regional partners include the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews, Stobo Castle, The Old Government House Hotel in Guernsey and The Royal Yacht Hotel in Jersey.

Davidson brings more than 30 years of experience across luxury hospitality, spa, wellness, beauty, retail, distribution and hotel amenities. Her role will focus on strategic growth and the development of long-term commercial partnerships.

Humby-Frost also has more than three decades of experience in the spa, beauty and wellness industries, spanning professional education, operations, guest experience and commercial development. Her career began with training at Champneys and has included supporting the launch of British Airways Travel Spas at Heathrow, Gatwick and JFK airports.

Sustainability will form a central part of Phytomer’s renewed regional positioning. The company holds EcoVadis Platinum status, placing it within the top one per cent of companies assessed through the sustainability ratings platform.

The relaunch will focus on spas and salons that align with Phytomer’s approach to professional education, sustainable innovation and treatment-led skincare, with the company promising more tailored commercial and operational support for its partners. The UK and Ireland had long represented important markets for Phytomer, with the new ownership structure allowing the company to deepen its involvement and pursue further growth opportunities across the professional sector.