Former Vice Chairman of Johnson & Johnson appointed as n

Avon Products, Inc. has announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Sherilyn S. (Sheri) McCoy as Chief Executive Officer. Ms. McCoy will join Avon effective April 23, 2012, and will also serve as a director on the companys Board.

Ms. McCoy, 53, assumes leadership of Avon following an exceptional 30-year career at Johnson & Johnson, where she rose to become Vice Chairman of the companys Pharmaceutical, Consumer, Corporate Office of Science & Technology, and Information Technology divisions. In this capacity she served on J & Js Executive Committee with oversight for more than 60% of J & Js $65 billion in revenues. Her responsibilities included stewardship for a broad portfolio of world-famous consumer brands including brands such as Neutrogena, Aveeno, Lubriderm, Clean & Clear and ROC.

Fred Hassan, lead director of Avons Board, said: "The Board conducted an extensive search among many world-class candidates across the direct selling, retail and consumer sectors, and Sheri emerged as the clear choice to take Avon into the future. Sheri has a unique combination of strategic and finely-honed operational skills, a significant turnaround track record, global experience and people leadership. Given her consistent record of outperforming against new challenges, we have great confidence that under Sheris leadership Avon can successfully execute against our strong long-term prospects."

As previously announced, Andrea Jung, currently Avons Chairman and CEO, will continue to serve the company as Executive Chairman once Ms. McCoy assumes the CEO position. Ms. McCoy will report to the companys Board of Directors.

"We are thrilled to have someone of Sheris caliber assuming the leadership of Avon," Ms. Jung said. "Throughout her career at J & J, Sheri has had a demonstrated track record of successfully achieving results and driving change across highly diverse operating units with widely varying product lines, customers, distribution channels and business models. She is also known for her ability to identify and empower great talent and motivate and inspire people. I look forward to supporting Sheri as Avons new CEO," Ms. Jung added.

Ms. McCoy said: "I am extremely honored and excited to join Avon—a great company with an iconic brand and so much clear potential. Avon has an unparalleled global direct selling sales force of over six million Representatives and an enviable geographic footprint. I look forward to working with the team to develop and execute a roadmap to achieve the next phase of growth for the company."