Penny Thompson

Penny Thompson

Penny Thompson joined Estee Lauder (Clinique division) in 1982 in Australia as Marketing Manager. She was transferred to New Zealand in 1988 to set up the company and launch brands such as Clinique, MAC, Bobbi Brown and La Mer. She also joined the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association of New Zealand Board.

Penny set up Look Good Feel Better on behalf of the CTFA in 1992, when she was Managing Director of Estee Lauder New Zealand. Involved with all the initial presentations to the hospitals and cancer societies around the country, Penny helped to secure their ongoing support. She also employed the initial charity staff, and worked with the cosmetics industry to secure product requirements.

She remained a significant figure in the Look Good Feel Better charity until 2001, when she was transferred back to Estee Lauder Australia as Managing Director. She sat on the board of the CTFA and LGFB in Australia from 2001 until 2008.

Penny rejoined the LGFB board in New Zealand in 2005, and became the Chairperson in 2008, when she retired and moved back to New Zealand.

Aside from her involvement with LGFB, Penny also co-founded the National Breast Cancer Foundation in NZ, and served on their board for many years.

Currently she is working with World Child Cancer on a project to help Pacific Island children with cancer, and helping to mentor small businesses.