New Zealand hairdressing veteran Paul Serville has been thrust onto the world stage as the new global business ambassador for haircare company Wella.

Paul opened the first Servilles salon in Auckland in 1984 and, in addition to opening another five locations, has since created a training program designed specifically for the salon business owner.

Wella president Adil Mehboob-Khan said Paul received the honour because he had proven solutions to share for salon owners.

“At Wella, we want our salon partners to thrive, not just survive, both as entrepreneurs and as artists.

“In that, Paul is an incredible inspiration and ambassador.”

Paul will support the expansion of Wella’s business and education program as part of the role.

“I’m thrilled to work with Wella because we share the same vision,” the hairsalon owner said.

“We both want to help stylists and salon owners understand how to grow their businesses for a lifetime of success in this amazing industry.”

The announcement was made on the eve of the international Wella Trend Vision in Monaco.