Georgette Mosbacher

Georgette Mosbacher, born Georgette Paulsin on January 16, 1947, in Highland, Indiana, developed an early aptitude for responsibility after her father’s death, caring for her younger siblings. She pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Science from Indiana University Bloomington in 1970 while working multiple jobs to finance her studies. Her career in business began in advertising in Chicago before she transitioned to the competitive cosmetics industry. In 1987, Mosbacher acquired the high-end cosmetics firm La Prairie, successfully revitalizing its sales and global reach. She later sold La Prairie in 1991 to Beiersdorf, a German personal care product provider.

Following her success with La Prairie, Mosbacher established Georgette Mosbacher Enterprises, Inc. in the 1990s, an international business and marketing consulting firm. Her expertise in corporate marketing and management led her to consult for businesses in numerous countries. In 2000, she was appointed CEO of Borghese, Inc., a global cosmetics manufacturer, and later became its Chairwoman. During her leadership, she expanded Borghese’s international operations, notably establishing a significant distribution network in China. Mosbacher also authored two motivational books for women, “Feminine Force” (1993) and “It Takes Money Honey” (1998).

Mosbacher’s career further diversified into public service and diplomacy. A long-standing Republican, she held prominent roles such as co-chair of the Republican National Committee’s Finance Committee and the first woman General Chairman of the Republican Governors Association. In 2018, she was nominated and confirmed as the United States Ambassador to Poland, serving until 2021. During her tenure, she championed the Three Seas Initiative, negotiating for a one-billion-dollar fund with the US International Development Finance Corporation. She also played a role in concluding an enhanced defense cooperation agreement between the United States and Poland and in Poland becoming the first nation added to the US Visa Waiver Program in five years. For her diplomatic contributions, she was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland and the Department of the Army’s Distinguished Public Servant Medal.