Richard Rogers, who co-founded cosmetics giant Mary Kay with his mother, Mary Kay Ash, in 1963 and led the company for years as its CEO, has died.
Rogers was born April 15, 1943, and attended Hillcrest High School in Preston Hollow, according to media reports, before going on to North Texas State University and serving in the Marine Corps Reserve.
He co-founded Mary Kay with his mother, Mary Kay Ash, in September 1963 and served as the cosmetics company’s general manager until he was named vice president in 1965. Shortly thereafter, in 1968, Richard was named Mary Kay’s President and CEO. He was named Chairman of the Board in 1987.
Richard then became Chairman of the Board of Mary Kay Holding Corporation in 1992 and returned as Chairman and CEO in 2001. He was made Executive Chairman of the company in 2006. His son, Ryan Rogers, took over as CEO of the company in 2023 after the retirement of former Mary Kay CEO David Holl, and Richard became Chairman Emeritus of the company in 2025.
“The entire Mary Kay family—including millions of independent sales force members across 40 markets—mourns this loss. Richard ensured the Company was placed in excellent hands many years ago. The Mary Kay Leadership Team, including his son, Ryan Rogers, serving as Chief Executive Officer, remains firmly committed to upholding Mary Kay’s vision, principles, and enduring opportunity for women around the world,” a statement on the company’s website reads. “On behalf of our Board of Directors, Executive Team, and Employees, we extend our deepest sympathies to Richard’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
Our sister publication, D Magazine, reports that services will be held at Highland Park United Methodist Church with details to follow.
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