Nicolas Loufrani

Nicolas joined The Smiley Company in 1996, before becoming its CEO in 2001. Prior to that he was co-founder and president of mens fashion brand Ozwald Boateng.

Nicolas’ father, Franklin Loufrani, trademarked the original Smiley in 1972 before founding The Smiley Company. When Nicolas joined in 1996, he transformed the business from a traditional consumer merchandising licensing model to the digital and lifestyle brand it is today.

In 1997, Nicolas took advantage of the growth of mobile technology and created the world’s first digital emoticons using the trademarked Smiley face; a universal language was born and Nicolas sparked a new way for people across the globe to communicate.

Today, The Smiley Company is in the world’s top 100 licensing companies with over 285 global licensees, and sells more than $265 million at retail year-round. Its brand collaborations include McDonalds, Moschino, Nutella, Renault, H&M and Warner Music.

Under Nicolas’ helm, The Smiley Company is dedicated to making the world a happier place, by working with the best partners around the world, to spread happiness through creative and engaging products and a positive marketing message. Founding its own charity The Smiley Fund originally in 2005, the company actively works against social isolation and promotes solidarity all over the world.