Our Team
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Janet Gurwitch / Operating Partnerjgurwitch@castaneapartners.com |
Janet Gurwitch joined Castanea Partners as an operating partner in 2011 with over 15 years of experience in the branded personal care and consumer products sectors.
Formerly, Janet was the founder and former CEO of Laura Mercier Cosmetics and Skincare, a global brand of high-end niche cosmetics now celebrating its fifteenth anniversary. At Laura Mercier, she managed and oversaw day-to-day business operations, as well as strategy development and retail negotiations.
Prior to founding Gurwitch Products, Janet was Executive Vice President of Merchandising at Neiman Marcus, where she set the strategy for and oversaw the ready-to-wear, fashion accessories, shoes and cosmetics departments.
Janet began her career at Foley’s Department Store where she was the Senior Vice President of Merchandising.
In 1999, Janet was named a finalist for Ernst & Young’s “Entrepreneur of the Year Award” for Houston, Texas, and in 1994 Business Week included her as one of the “Top 50 Chief Executive Prospects in the Nation.” Additionally, Janet was named one of Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women of 2010 by Houston Woman Magazine.
Janet is director on the boards of La-Z-Boy, Inc. and Urban Decay Cosmetics. At RICE University, Janet is also a member of the Jones School Council of Overseers and an Adjunct Professor in Management. Additionally, she lectures at the business schools of University of Texas, Rice University, University of Houston, and University of Alabama.