Martin Penny - GHD
Managing Director


Martin Penny describes himself as an 'accidental entrepreneur' – but he's founded two highly successful but very different businesses.

GHD is best known for its ceramic styling irons and stars, including Renee Zellweger, Jennifer Aniston and Victoria Beckham, have all become evangelists for the brand. A friend of Penny's, who worked in the hairdressing industry, was sent a pair of irons from America and approached him to ask if he could help him sell them.

Penny set up Jemella and later negotiated an exclusive contract with the South Korean manufacturers to supply the product in the UK and Europe and rebranded the product to suit the UK market.

Since its launch in 2001 GHD – which stood for "Good Hair Day" – has revolutionised the hair and beauty industry. The aggressive branding and marketing strategy has led to a £80m empire which shows no signs of slowing down.

Company website link: www.ghdhair.com