Industry News

Industry Remembers Clare Thorpe of HCT Group

The beauty industry mourns the passing of industry veteran Clare Thorpe.

This story was provided by Beauty Packaging, a sister publication to Happi.

In Loving Memory of Clare Thorpe

March 15, 1944 – Jan 1, 2026

Clare started working in cosmetics in 1983, alongside her husband Chris Thorpe. They went on to found HCT Group with Henri Tinchant in 1992 starting from the spare bedroom of their home. Clare helped shape the business with her sharp wit and style, consistently advising Chris, and later their son Timothy, when he took over as CEO upon Chris’s retirement. 

Through life’s challenges, including her own battles with cancer and caring for Chris until his passing in 2019, she led with resilience, humor, and grace.

An early investor in Club Kuma, her encouragement continues to guide us forward.

Her legacy lives on in the companies she helped build and the many loved ones who carry her spirit and kindness with them every day.

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