11.30.23
Natura &Co has announced Kristof Neirynck, currently the Global Chief Marketing Officer and Managing Director for Western Europe, as the new CEO of Avon.
Current CEO Angela Cretu, who served the company for 25 years, will continue to support and contribute to the Avon business as an advisor.
This news comes after Avon debuted a re-energized visual and verbal identity in September.
As CEO, Angela reignited Avon's purpose-driven campaigning, empowering women to embrace their power and improve their lives with accessible world-class beauty and flexible earning and learning opportunities, while supporting causes like raising awareness of breast cancer and gender-based violence.
"Angela's departure has been a thoroughly planned process, coming only after stabilizing the business and identifying the right successor. We are thrilled that she will continue to be by our side, and in the name of the Board, I would like to thank her deeply for her leadershi," said Fabio Barbosa, Natura &Co CEO.
Cretu remarked, "I have had the privilege of experiencing an Avon journey that has been nothing short of fascinating, addictive, and fulfilling. I am grateful for the unwavering partnership and shared values of my Avon team, and for the wise guidance and support of my mentors, the Natura &Co founders and Board. Most of all, my life's purpose and values have been shaped by the countless women from the countries where I have worked and lived, who generously shared their life stories with me."
In early 2023, Neirynck assumed the role of Managing Director for Western Europe. Under his leadership, the region's profitability improved, the core direct selling channel stabilized, and significant omnichannel access to the brand was established.
Before joining Avon, Neirynck served as the Chief Marketing Officer for Global Brands at Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA). In this role, he oversaw a portfolio of 20+ owned brands across Beauty and Consumer Healthcare, representing over $4 billion in sales globally.
Prior to WBA, he spent 13 years at P&G, where he held leadership positions in key divisions.
Neirynck said, "I am honored to take on this new role at Avon and continue its evolution to become an omnichannel, relationship selling business, with Representatives at its core. We have an iconic brand: innovative, and affordable products, and a business model that creates opportunities for women to embrace their power, on their own terms."
Carlucci, who served as CEO of Natura from 2005 to 2014, brings a wealth of experience from Chairman roles in organizations like BSR and Arezzo&Co, along with his presidency of the World Federation of Direct Sales Associations from 2012-2014.
Current CEO Angela Cretu, who served the company for 25 years, will continue to support and contribute to the Avon business as an advisor.
This news comes after Avon debuted a re-energized visual and verbal identity in September.
About Angela Cretu
Under Cretu’s leadership, Avon initiated a successful turnaround strategy, streamlining its operating model and radically simplifying its portfolio. Through a major transformation of the commercial model, R&D redesign, and technology modernization, Avon's traditional direct selling model is transitioning to social selling, focusing on the future with an omnichannel approach.As CEO, Angela reignited Avon's purpose-driven campaigning, empowering women to embrace their power and improve their lives with accessible world-class beauty and flexible earning and learning opportunities, while supporting causes like raising awareness of breast cancer and gender-based violence.
"Angela's departure has been a thoroughly planned process, coming only after stabilizing the business and identifying the right successor. We are thrilled that she will continue to be by our side, and in the name of the Board, I would like to thank her deeply for her leadershi," said Fabio Barbosa, Natura &Co CEO.
Cretu remarked, "I have had the privilege of experiencing an Avon journey that has been nothing short of fascinating, addictive, and fulfilling. I am grateful for the unwavering partnership and shared values of my Avon team, and for the wise guidance and support of my mentors, the Natura &Co founders and Board. Most of all, my life's purpose and values have been shaped by the countless women from the countries where I have worked and lived, who generously shared their life stories with me."
About Kristof Neirynck
Neirynck excels in business turnarounds and driving step-change growth. As Global Chief Marketing Officer for Avon for the past two years, he drove a complete brand relaunch and achieved significant gross margin improvement.In early 2023, Neirynck assumed the role of Managing Director for Western Europe. Under his leadership, the region's profitability improved, the core direct selling channel stabilized, and significant omnichannel access to the brand was established.
Before joining Avon, Neirynck served as the Chief Marketing Officer for Global Brands at Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA). In this role, he oversaw a portfolio of 20+ owned brands across Beauty and Consumer Healthcare, representing over $4 billion in sales globally.
Prior to WBA, he spent 13 years at P&G, where he held leadership positions in key divisions.
Neirynck said, "I am honored to take on this new role at Avon and continue its evolution to become an omnichannel, relationship selling business, with Representatives at its core. We have an iconic brand: innovative, and affordable products, and a business model that creates opportunities for women to embrace their power, on their own terms."
Alessandro Carlucci Joins Avon as an Advisor
Additionally, Alessandro Carlucci will also be rejoining the Natura &Co group as advisor to Avon to assist with its continued turnaround and its plans for future growth.Carlucci, who served as CEO of Natura from 2005 to 2014, brings a wealth of experience from Chairman roles in organizations like BSR and Arezzo&Co, along with his presidency of the World Federation of Direct Sales Associations from 2012-2014.
