The requisite ‘about’ blurb that rounds out the press release announcing Stahl’s appointment to the board of managers describes New Avon not as a direct sales company but rather as a social selling company. And while that may seem like a hint at the company’s strategy to return to profitability, executive remarks throughout the release are focused squarely on direct selling and the Avon brand.
Duly appointed
Since Cerberus Capital Management acquired the business in March of this year, Chan Galbato, CEO of that firm's affiliate Cerberus Operations and Advisory Company,has been acting as board chairman. And, he remains a part of the board going forward.
He calls Stahl “a proven leader whose extensive Board and management experience and expertise leading iconic brands will be instrumental in positioning New Avon's business for long-term success.”
Stahl’s experience is in beauty as well as consumer products. He has served as CEO and president of both Coca-Cola and Revlon, and has sat on numerous corporate boards including Coty’s.
His colleagues on the New Avon board comprise: Ethan Klemperer, Steven Mayer, and Michael Sanford of Cerberus; Susan Kropf, former president and COO of Avon Products; and Sheri McCoy, CEO of Avon Products.
One more seat
New Avon CEO Scott White also joined the company’s board of managers yesterday. “In the short time that he has been with New Avon,” Galbato notes, “Scott has demonstrated a deep passion for the company and a relentless desire to make New Avon the best direct selling company and beauty brand in North America.”
White joined New Avon in late April, having worked previously with Abbott Laboratories as well as P&G. Stepping in to the CEO role, he told the press that “over the next few months, I will be meeting with many of our Representatives, listening to them and learning what New Avon and I can do to support them, improve their earnings opportunity and enhance their experience within our great Avon community.”
Now from his seat on the board, White is looking ahead: “My first six weeks at New Avon have been incredibly inspiring and productive, and I'm thrilled to expand my role with this Board seat,” he says. “With the addition of Jack's counsel and experience, I am even more confident in our ability to revitalize our business for the benefit of our Representatives, Associates and consumers across North America.”
This article was updated on 02-June-2016 to correctly state Chan Galbato’s title: He is the CEO of Cerberus Operations and Advisory Company, an affiliate of Cerberus Capital Management. He is not the CEO of Cerberus Capital Management, as earlier reported.