Herbalife Chairman and CEO Michael O. Johnson today announced three promotions on his executive management team that are effective January 1, 2010.

Des Walsh is being promoted to president, from his role as executive vice president, worldwide operations and sales. A member of the executive team since he joined in 2004, Walsh is responsible for the growth of our business by working closely with distributors to achieve greater access to and deeper penetration of Herbalife products throughout the world. He oversees all distributor-facing functions in each region where the company conducts business, including marketing, promotions, sponsorships, events, and distributor communications. Walsh has worked with Johnson for more than 14 years including while serving as vice president of The Walt Disney Company’s Buena Vista Home Entertainment.

Rich Goudis, who joined the company as CFO in 2004, is being promoted to chief operating officer with responsibility for building and sustaining an infrastructure that allows the company to achieve its growth goals. His functional responsibility includes worldwide operations, human resources, and information technology, along with the back office functions in all the regions. Prior to Herbalife, Goudis was chief operating officer at Rexall Sundown and also had responsibility for General Nutrition Center (GNC) operations.

John DeSimone is being promoted to chief financial officer. Having joined Herbalife in November 2007, DeSimone first served as SVP, finance, and since 2008, distributor operations as well. His accomplishments include leading the company’s acquisition of its first manufacturing facility, spearheading new country openings, and overseeing strategic planning, forecasting and budgeting. DeSimone previously served as CFO at Rexall Sundown.

Source: BusinessWire