David Olsen
About David Olsen
David Olsen is the Managing Director at Highlander, specializing in the beauty and personal care industry, with a strong focus on digital retail and strategic business development.
David Olsen Managing Director at Highlander
David Olsen has been the Managing Director at Highlander since 2019. In his role, he leads the company's investment efforts in the beauty and personal care industry. He also plays a strategic role in business operations post-close, ensuring that these businesses achieve their objectives. His expertise is pivotal to Highlander's strategy in driving growth and innovation in these sectors.
David Olsen's Role in Digital Retail
With 20 years of leadership in the digital retail space, David Olsen stands out for his extensive experience and achievements. At Cos Bar, where he served as CEO, he transformed a traditional brick-and-mortar beauty retailer into a successful omnichannel business. His prior roles include launching and growing beauty and grooming businesses at Net-A-Porter and Mr. Porter as Global Vice President, where he saw triple-digit annual growth.
David Olsen's Early Career and DermStore
David Olsen initially founded DermTeam, an e-commerce cosmeceutical business, which he later sold to DermStore. At DermStore, he led business development, buying, and operations, which culminated in the sale of the business to Target in 2012. His early entrepreneurial ventures and leadership in e-commerce laid a strong foundation for his subsequent roles.
David Olsen's Education Background
David Olsen holds a diverse and robust academic background. He earned a B.A. in History from the University of California, Berkeley. He further pursued an M.B.A. in Marketing from the University of Miami Business School and completed a J.D., Cum Laude, from the University of Miami School of Law. This blend of education across history, law, and business has contributed significantly to his multidisciplinary approach to leadership.
David Olsen's Contributions to CPG Businesses at Highlander
David Olsen collaborates closely with Highlander's existing consumer packaged goods (CPG) businesses. His responsibilities include areas such as product development, branding, and channel expansion. Emphasizing digital excellence, he works to integrate digital strategies that enhance product reach and customer engagement. His guidance helps businesses within Highlander's portfolio to stay competitive and innovative.