People In Brief
This article was originally published in The Rose Sheet
Executive Summary
Estee Lauder adds two new group presidents to its senior management team. Avon names Patricia Perez-Ayala as its new senior vice president and CMO.
Lauder Organization “Evolves”
The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. announces a “strategic organizational evolution” that adds two new senior positions to top management, giving it four group presidents instead of two. With proven success in Lauder’s home market, Thia Breen assumes the role of group president North America, while Lynne Greene becomes group president with continued oversight of Clinique, Origins and Ojon, plus Aveda and Darphin. Greene also joins the company’s Investment and Development Committee “to help guide global M&A strategy,” according to the Nov. 15 release. Both Breen and Greene will continue to report to CEO Fabrizio Freda. Lauder says the restructuring will “further realign its brands to leverage additional innovations and strategic synergies, increasing their ability to become even more locally relevant and ensuring sharp focus on the greatest opportunities globally.”
Avon Appoints CMO
Ailing [Avon Products Inc.] brings former Procter & Gamble exec Patricia Perez-Ayala on board as senior vice president, chief marketing officer and global brand and category president, effective Dec. 3. Perez-Ayala will manage Avon’s brand and marketing on a global basis, “including insights, commercial marketing, digital marketing and product category strategy and execution,” while overseeing the company’s R&D, new product development and packaging and its Liz Earle skin-care business, the firm says Nov. 15. “Patricia's proven record of implementing change and driving results makes her the right person to lead Avon's worldwide marketing efforts,” states CEO Sheri McCoy, characterizing Perez-Ayala as “a global brand builder with over 20 years of experience, including business strategy, consumer marketing and operations in several of Avon's key markets.” Most recently Perez-Ayala was vice president and general manager of P&G’s Eastern Europe business, which she “turned around” with “very strong growth in both top and bottom line,” according to Avon. Earlier in her career, she served as P&G’s general manager of Latin America feminine care, in which role she delivered sales and share growth each year, the release notes. Avon’s business in Brazil, in particular, has struggled in recent quarters due to increased competition in the direct-sales channel, among other factors. Sales in the country declined 19% in the third quarter as the firm’s overall revenue fell 8% and profits plunged 81% (Also see "CEO McCoy: Avon Q3 “Disappointing,” But Focus Is On Future" - HBW Insight, 5 Nov, 2012.).
Council Promotes Powers
The Personal Care Products Council announces it has promoted Lisa Powers to senior vice president of public affairs and communications. Powers was previously vice president of public affairs and communications, a position she held for six years. As SVP, the exec will oversee development and execution of strategic communications and public affairs programs on various issues affecting the industry, according to Council President and CEO Lezlee Westine.