THE ghd STORYTo say ghd is a successful company is an understatement. Founded in 2001 by the self-described “accidental entrepreneur”, group managing director, Martin Penny, has seen the business jump from the unexpected to completely off-the-scale. Named in the 2005 Sunday Times Fast Track as the “Fastest Growing Company”, the scheduled revenues in year two of the ghd business plan were between £3 and £4 million; they did £12 million. The plan for the third year was £5 million; the reality was £37 million. A Yorkshire based, British-owned company, it is seven years since a hairdresser friend showed Martin Penny some styling irons he'd been sent by a South Korean inventor and suggested he buy the rights. The first of their kind, ghd is synonymous for the revolutionary ceramic stylers, which kicked off the trend for straightened hair. Thanks to the celebrity and salon endorsement - along with the undisputed quality of the product - ghd stylers have a cult-like following, with an overseas expansion established in 15 countries. Iconic campaigns and a ghd Directive of top stylists maintain ghd's position as a leader and the brand has developed from the original classic styler to limited edition versions, an extensive product line and an in salon Expert education arm spearheading the latest products, techniques and looks. HOW THE RELIGION GREW 2001 In January, ghd is born Celebrities fall in love with ghd - cult following begins 2002 ghd iron oil product launch Launches in Australia 2003 Annual sales reaches £12 million First TV advert airs - ghd sponsors “The Salon” Mini and Salon stylers launched Launches in South Africa, Spain, Italy and Scandinavia The search for the ghd Directive begins 2004 Sales hit £37 million The Pink Iron launches for the very first time Launch of Expert Programme for salons 2005 ghd takes on the USA Sunday Times Fast Track "Fastest Growing Company" ghd takes London, Durban and New York fashion weeks by storm ghd Expert Schemes launches Sales £54 million 2006 ghd global website launches thermodynamics® launched - "Style with heat, style without fear" Launches in France and Germany Leah Wood and Kimberley Stewart support the launch of the new Hot Pink Styler Sales £75 million 2007 ghd IV styler collection goes on sale in the UK - "Thou shalt never be the same girl twice" ghd Directive at New York Fashion Week for NARCISCO RODRIGUEZ ghd Directive at Paris Fashion Week for STELLA MCCARTNEY ghd launches new branding "Thy will be done" Madonna, Cameron Diaz and Gwyneth Paltrow on the waiting list for Pink Styler supporting Breakthrough Breast Cancer Sales £115 million 2008 ghd Directive at Paris Fashion Week for EMANUEL UNGARO ghd launches Dark or Pure limited edition stylers
