12.08.05
Avon Products Inc. promoted several executives to oversee its business in China and Central and Eastern Europe.
The company also changed the structure of its marketing and supply chain functions. In an effort to bring management closer to salespeople and customers, Avon named new executives to head the marketing and supply chain departments.
Avon appointed Bennett R. Gallina, previously senior vice president of Asia-Pacific, senior vice president overseeing China, Western Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The company also appointed John Higson, formerly area vice president of Central and Eastern Europe, senior vice president for Central and Eastern Europe. In addition, the company promoted James Wei, previously vice president of new markets and strategic planning for Asia-Pacific, to senior vice president, Asia Pacific.
Avon also said it will elevate China and Central and Eastern Europe to standalone business units, increasing the number of geographic regions from four to six. The other units are North America; Latin America; Western Europe, the Middle East and Africa; and Asia Pacific.
The company noted that it would manage its brand marketing and supply chain functions as so-called global business units, with regional staff reporting directly to the global leaders in each area. It also named new executives in charge of both functions. Both the marketing and supply chain functions will report to chief executive Andrea Jung and Susan J. Kropf, president and chief operating officer.