Former Air NZ boss Rob Fyfe and wife Sara invest in luxury beauty brand Emma Lewisham

Businessman Rob Fyfe has invested in a growing Kiwi skincare company, which sees its products used by celebrities around the world. Photo / Doug Sherring

Business power couple Rob and Sara Fyfe have taken a stake in luxury New Zealand beauty brand Emma Lewisham.

The first external investment the business has accepted also comes ahead of a partnership with a yet-to-be-named major online retailer in the UK and US markets in September, the Herald has learned.

The Fyfes' investment of about 5 per cent follows strong revenue growth for the company, which has been owned by co-founders Emma Lewisham and her husband Andrew since its launch in 2019.

The Auckland-based skincare brand quickly became a household name after a feature in Forbes magazine and is a staple in the bathrooms of celebrities, including Margot Robbie, Phoebe Tonkin and Kourtney Kardashian.

Rob, the former chief executive of Air New Zealand, will also become an adviser to Emma Lewisham's board, with his role and commitment intended to progress over time.

Emma Lewisham founded the company with her husband Andrew less than two years ago. Photo / Supplied

Emma said she was excited to have the Fyfes join the expanding business, which saw year-on-year growth for 2020-21 in New Zealand to 20 times revenue and Australia 95 times revenue, which is quickly becoming the company's largest market.

Double-digit growth is also forecast for the coming year 2021-22, the company said.

"We believe their wealth of knowledge and experience, particularly Rob's in scaling a global New Zealand business will benefit us," Emma said. "We're growing fast, and surrounding ourselves with strategic, experienced, like-minded people with strong business acumen will help us become one of the world's most successful luxury beauty brands."

She said Rob's previous global retail experience at Air NZ, Michael Hill and Icebreaker will aid the launch in the UK and US.

Rob and Sara Fyfe have taken a stake of about 5 per cent in the skincare brand. Photo / File

It was talent manager, former model and TV host Sara who first saw an opportunity with Emma Lewisham gaining momentum after buying and enjoying the brand's product, Rob explained.

"Our passion is finding New Zealand businesses with a powerful sense of purpose that have the potential to be global category leaders," he said.

"When we approached Emma and Andrew, we were immediately captured by their vision, ambition, and integrity. We like to invest in great products and exceptional people, and we're rapt to be on this journey with them."

Along with helping the company launch into global markets, the investment will also further its global sustainability initiatives, including the goal to move the beauty industry to a 100 per cent circular-designed model.

Last year Emma Lewisham launched its Beauty Circle programme, a first of its kind recycling initiative, which Mecca and David Jones have now emulated.