New CEO at Blyth

Blyth, Inc.: promoted Robert B. Goergen Jr. to chief executive officer and elected him to its board. Goergen Jr. will remain president, PartyLite Worldwide, a position he has held since January 2012, and continue to oversee all facets of the party plan direct seller of candles and accessories for the home. He will also continue to serve on the ViSalus board of directors and to oversee Silver Star Brands, Blyth’s catalog and internet retailer. 

Goergen Jr. joined Blyth in 2000 and over the next decade championed the initiatives to expand Blyth’s direct-to-consumer presence, leading Blyth’s entry into the catalog and internet channel with the acquisitions of a series of general merchandise and health and wellness brands. While overseeing the expansion of direct selling, Goergen Jr. oversaw the divestitures that completed Blyth’s strategic transformation to a direct-to-consumer business. He also served as Blyth’s president and chief operating officer for the past year.

Blyth’s founder, Robert B. Goergen, will continue to serve as executive chairman of the Blyth board and chairman of the ViSalus board that oversees Blyth’s Health & Wellness segment.  Other members of the ViSalus board include Ryan Blair, CEO of ViSalus; Todd Goergen, chief strategy officer of ViSalus; and Rich Riley, an independent director.

In other news, Luca Pozzoli will join PartyLite Europe, the European division of its party plan direct selling business, as group general manager, Switzerland and emerging markets, and vice president, market development. He has more than 20 years of management experience in the direct selling industry.