Betty Palm’s experience with Avon and with direct selling, in particular, are terrific assets to the privately owned North American business during its turnaround.
“By aligning the sales organization under a seasoned direct-selling expert like Betty, we will accelerate decision making and simplify processes,” Scott White, New Avon’s CEO, says in a statement to the press.
Well prepared
Palm has already been consulting with New Avon, as founder of the strategic firm B. Palm Group LLC, which specializes in the direct-selling industry. And she previously worked with Avon Products as well.
“Since beginning my career at Avon over 30-years ago, I have long admired this iconic brand, and I'm honored to evolve my consulting role into a full time position leading the sales organization,” Palm tells the press.
Commenting further on her recent work as a consultant for the company, she’s optimistic: “Throughout the last few months, I've gotten to know many of the Representatives and I am excited about the enormous potential that exists at New Avon because of them. I am committed to driving the changes necessary to ensure that each and every Representative is best positioned to succeed at New Avon.”
Her career also includes having served as President of North America for Tupperware Brands, formerly sitting on the board of the Direct Selling Association, and currently holding a seat on the Board of Advisors of Ruby Ribbon. Palm also has a number of other leadership roles with large companies on her CV.
Change is good
As president of social selling, Palm will be in charge of recruiting, training, and incentivizing the company’s representatives. She will also work to be sure that Avon’s North American sales reps have “the tools they need to drive a more contemporary, efficient and profitable experience,” according to the company statement.
“Reinvigorating the Representative experience is the key to making New Avon the best social selling company and beauty brand in North America,” believes White.
“Betty has already had a tremendous impact on New Avon, and I look forward to working with her to empower our Representatives, enhance their ability to serve customers and improve their earnings opportunity,” he adds.
Under new ownership
New Avon has made several additions to its leadership team of late. Just last week Helene F. Rutledge joined the company as Chief Innovation Officer. She’s leading the R&D team and overseeing strategy, partnerships, and new product development (in collaboration with Avon Products).
Earlier in June, Jack Stall was named chairman of the company’s board of managers. And it was just last month that Scott White became CEO of New Avon.