Avon Products, Inc.announced that its board has appointed
Sherilyn S. (Sheri) McCoyas chief executive officer. McCoy will joinAvoneffectiveApril 23, 2012, and will also serve as a director on the company's board.
McCoy, 53, assumes leadership ofAvonfollowing an exceptional 30-year career atJohnson & Johnson, where she rose to become vice chairman of the company's pharmaceutical, consumer,corporate office of science & technology, and information technology divisions. In this capacity she served on J&J's executive committee with oversight for more than 60% of J&J's$65 billionin revenues. Her responsibilities included stewardship for a broad portfolio of consumer brands including brands such as Neutrogena, Aveeno, Lubriderm, Clean & Clear and ROC.
Fred Hassan
, lead director ofAvon's board, said: "The board conducted an extensive search among many world-class candidates across the direct selling, retail and consumer sectors, and Sheri emerged as the clear choice to takeAvoninto the future. Sheri has a unique combination of strategic and finely-honed operational skills, a significant turnaround track record, global experienceand people leadership. Given her consistent record ofoutperforming against new challenges, we have great confidence that under Sheri's leadershipAvoncan successfully execute against our strong long-term prospects."
As previously announced, Andrea Jung, currentlyAvon's chairman and CEO, will continue to serve the company as executive chairman once McCoy assumes the CEO position. McCoy will report to the company's board.
"We are thrilled to have someone of Sheri's caliber assuming the leadership ofAvon," Jung said. "Throughout her career at J&J, Sheri has had a demonstrated track record of successfully achieving results and driving change across highly diverse operating units with widely varying product lines, customers, distribution channels and business models. She is also known for her ability to identify and empower great talent and motivate and inspire people. I look forward to supporting Sheri asAvon's new CEO," Ms. Jung added.
Ms. McCoy said: "I am extremely honored and excited to join Avon—a great company with an iconic brand and so much clear potential.Avonhas an unparalleled global direct selling sales force of over six million Representatives and an enviable geographic footprint. I look forward to working with the team to develop and execute a roadmap to achieve the next phase of growth for the company."