Growth appears to have slowed at Avon and I’m not sure how a Johnson & Johnson executive with no Direct Sales experience will be able to right the ship.
Avon is hoping a new CEO can give it a much-needed makeover.
The struggling cosmetics seller on Monday tapped long-time Johnson & Johnson executive Sherilyn S. McCoy as its new chief executive. The announcement ended a four-month search to replace embattled CEO Andrea Jung, who had come under fire for failing to stem the company’s declines and wrap up a bribery investigation.
Avon Products Inc. said Jung – the first female CEO of the 126-year-old company – will remain executive chairman after McCoy takes over later this month. Shares of the New York-based company fell more than 3 percent Monday.
McCoy’s emergence at Avon comes less than two months after she was passed over for the top spot at Johnson & Johnson, which in February announced that Alex Gorsky would take over as CEO. Bill Weldon, who has served as J&J’s chief executive for the past decade, plans to step down at the company’s annual shareholder meeting April 26.
The announcement from Avon comes just a week after the company rejected a $10 billion takeover offer from the smaller beauty products maker Coty Inc.
Founded in 1886, Avon became a fixture in households across the country as its legions of “Avon ladies” went door to door selling makeup to family, friends and acquaintances. Its brands include Avon Color, Skin-So-Soft and mark.
The company markets its products in more than 100 countries through about 6.4 million independent sales representatives. Its annual revenue is more than $11 billion.
But North American sales have dropped off over the years and about 80 percent of Avon’s $11 billion in annual revenue now comes from overseas. The company has frequently missed analysts’ earnings expectations and posted weak sales in some of its largest markets.
Avon is so far behind in the way they do things. For one, they don't give new reps the ability to have a website, this is so key! Secondly, a new catalog every two weeks is a waste of paper. Their commission structure is also crazy, most people don't even understand it, so that in itself is a big turn off for new reps. I love Avon but wish they'd get their act together and realize they are in 2012!
Amen!
I can tell ya Mary Kay ain't any better. Dated a chick that did that one…
Looks like they are heading in the same south direction arbonne did when they took their Corp happy meal CEO!