Avon: Andrea Jung gives up CEO title to become Executive Chairman

Andrea Jung, Avon's Chairman and CEO, will be named Executive Chairman, will work with the committee of the Board of Directors to undertake an external search for a new Chief Executive Officer. Ms. Jung will continue to serve in her dual roles throughout the recruitment process and will work closely with the new CEO to assure a successful transition.

Andrea Jung has been Avon's CEO since 1999. "Over the past twelve years we have transformed the business from a decentralized group of local operating entities to a globally-managed business in over 100 countries with global brands and a global operating model. In the process, revenues have more than doubled, and the number of Representatives has doubled as well. As we look to the future, Avon's business model remains advantaged, with both the Beauty and Direct Selling industries growing around the world, and with our broad, geographic footprint. A new CEO will provide a fresh lens and additional operational and executive leadership."

Fred Hassan, Managing Director and Partner, Warburg Pincus LLC, and Avon's Lead Independent Director added: "Separating the Chairman and CEO roles as well as strengthening overall management capabilities are important steps to help the company capture its future opportunities. The Board looks forward to continuing to work closely with Andrea and the new CEO to put the company back on a growth track."

Ms. Jung said that in her role as Executive Chairman she will work closely with the new CEO in support of the company's overall strategic direction and brand positioning. She will continue to be involved in maintaining strong relationships with Avon's key constituencies, including her role in motivating the company's millions of Representatives, and her critical advo-cacy on behalf of the Avon Foundation for Women. Ms. Jung noted that the Avon Foundation has raised and awarded $860 million to causes that help improve women's lives and has become the largest corporate philanthropy focused on women's issues.

Avon is a global beauty company, with over $10 billion in annual revenue. As the world's largest direct seller, Avon markets to women in more than 100 countries through approximately 6.5 million active independent Avon Sales Representatives. Avon's product line includes beauty products, as well as fashion and home products, and features such well-recognized brand names as Avon Color, ANEW, Skin-So-Soft, Advance Techniques, Avon Naturals, and mark.