Avon hires UK marketing chief
US cosmetics giant Avon has promoted general manager of overseas business development Andrea Slater to UK vice-president of marketing, where she will replace Bob Briddon, who has become group vice-president of US marketing.
Slater, who will have overall marketing responsibility for the UK, will report to UK president Jerry McDonald.
The company has also promoted its executive vice-president and chief operating officer for North America and global business operations, Susan Kropf, to the newly created combined position of president and chief operating officer. Kropf will retain responsibilities for global marketing.
Early this year, Avon announced its first retail venture in the US, which will open in 200 Sears and JC Penney stores during the autumn. The company has developed a new beauty and lifestyle brand called beComing for the US retail market.
Last year the cosmetics company announced the launch of a glossy lifestyle magazine called “A”, which will be sold alongside Avon’s product catalogues by the company’s 160,000-strong sales force in the UK (MW September 21).
Avon’s cosmetics brands include Anew, Avon Color, Skin-so-soft and Far Away. The company also markets an extensive line of fashion jewellery, clothing, gifts and collectibles through its brochures.
