Avon Names Susan J. Kropf President and Chief Operating Officer

Avon Products, Inc.today announced that Susan J. Kropf has been promoted to the newly created position of president and chief operating officer, effective immediately.

Ms. Kropf, who had been executive vice president and chief operating officer, North America and global business operations, will now be responsible for all of Avon’s worldwide direct selling operations. She will continue as a director of the company and will continue to report to Andrea Jung, Avon’s chief executive officer.

Ms. Kropf, 52, is one of Avon’s most experienced executives and has held senior management positions in virtually all areas of the company since joining Avon in 1970. Prior to being named head of North America in 1998, Ms. Kropf was president, Avon U.S., the company’s largest operation. Previously, she was president, New and Emerging Markets, where she directed Avon’s rapid expansion in Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, China and South Africa. She also held executive positions in marketing, research and development, customer service and manufacturing.

Commenting on today’s announcement, Ms. Jung said, “Susan has played a critical role in Avon’s success and she is uniquely qualified to assume the additional responsibilities as president and chief operating officer. This will also streamline our senior management structure, as we accelerate implementation of our strategic plan in 2001 and build on the successful results of the past year.”

Jose Ferreira, Jr., 44, executive vice president and chief operating officer, international and new business, has decided to leave Avon to pursue new opportunities, effective January 31.

“Joe is an outstanding executive and his many contributions to the huge success of Avon’s international operations are greatly appreciated. Our global portfolio is stronger than ever and should continue to generate robust growth for the corporation in the years ahead,” said Ms. Jung. “We understand Joe’S decision and wish him much success in all his future endeavors,” she said.

The previous positions held by Ms. Kropf and Mr. Ferreira will not be replaced. The heads of Avon’s four international regions, who previously reported to Mr. Ferreira, will now report to Ms. Kropf.

Ms. Kropf’s most recent responsibilities included certain global staff functions. As president and COO, she will retain responsibility for global marketing as well as the companywide business process redesign efforts that have freed up nearly $400 million in the past three years for reinvestment in consumer brand building and other growth initiatives.