Katie Rodan

Katie Rodan
Born	Katie Pregerson 1955–1956 Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Dermatologist, businesswoman, author
Years active	1987–present
Known for	Co-developing Proactiv; co-founding Rodan + Fields

Katie Rodan (née Pregerson, born 1955–1956) is a renowned American dermatologist, businesswoman, and author. She is best known for co-developing the acne treatment system Proactiv and for co-founding the skincare company Rodan + Fields, which operates through multi-level marketing. Rodan also runs a private cosmetic dermatology clinic located in Oakland, California. In 2015, Forbes recognized her as one of the 50 most successful self-made women in the United States, highlighting her billionaire status.

Early life

Katie Pregerson was born to Bernardine and Harry Pregerson, a federal appeals court judge and microbiology professor. Raised in a Jewish household in Los Angeles, she completed her undergraduate studies in history at the University of Virginia. She then earned her medical degree from the University of Southern California School of Medicine. Following an internship at Los Angeles County Hospital, she pursued a dermatology residency at Stanford University School of Medicine, where she served as chief resident and graduated in 1987.

Career

Rodan met Kathy A. Fields during their dermatology residency at Stanford University School of Medicine in 1984. Together, they created the acne treatment product Proactiv Solution in 1995. Initially, both received 15% royalties from its sales before selling their stakes for $50 million each.

Currently, Rodan holds the position of adjunct clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Stanford University and operates a private practice specializing in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.

In 2008, Oakland Magazine honored her as one of the leading physicians in the East Bay. She has appeared as a dermatology expert on platforms such as Fox Business News and has been featured in publications including Shape Magazine, O Magazine, Women's Health, Redbook, Allure, and Cosmopolitan.

Rodan and Fields introduced the brand Rodan + Fields in 2002, which was acquired by Estée Lauder a year later. However, in 2007, they reacquired the company due to Estée Lauder’s prioritization of its larger legacy brands over Rodan + Fields.

In 2006, the company transitioned to a direct sales model with a focus on multi-level marketing, relying on independent consultants—predominantly women—to distribute products. Despite this, only about two percent of these consultants earn incomes exceeding minimum wage. The business approach has drawn criticism from consumer advocates who argue it closely resembles a pyramid scheme. According to income disclosure data from 2015, 42% of consultants did not receive any earnings during that year.

Works

Together with Fields, Rodan has co-written several books, such as:

• Write Your Skin a Prescription for Change (2009, Pair O' Docs MD Publishing)
• Unblemished: Stop Breakouts! Fight Acne! Transform Your Life! Reclaim Your Self-Esteem with the Proven 3-Step Program Using Over-the-Counter Medications (2008, Simon & Schuster)
• The Doctors' Secrets to a Lifetime of Clear Skin (2006, Guthy Renker)
• Lighten Up, Brighten Up (2006, Atria Books)

Personal life

Katie Rodan is married to Amnon Rodan, who earned an MBA from Harvard University and has served on Guthy Renker’s board. The couple has two children and lives in San Francisco, California.

Additional reading

• Maddy Dychtwald and Christine Larson, Influence: The Rising Economic Power of Women and Its Positive Impact on the World (2010, Hyperion)
• Bruce R. Barringer and R. Duane Ireland, Entrepreneurship: Effectively Starting New Ventures (2015, Pearson Education)