London-based Avon Products, Inc. recently announced the appointment of Bill Rahn to the position of group vice president, Asia Pacific (APAC). In this role, he will oversee the entire APAC region, leading Avon’s business across five markets—China, India, Malaysia, Philippines and Taiwan.
“APAC is an attractive, high-priority region with strategic importance for Avon,” said Jan Zijderveld, chief executive officer of Avon. “I am confident that Bill’s proven track record of leadership and successful building and running of APAC businesses makes him the right executive to help accelerate Avon’s transformation to become a hi-tech, hi-touch, hi-impact, fast-beauty brand.”
Rahn has more than 30 years of experience in the APAC region. Prior to joining Avon, he worked another direct selling company as senior vice president and managing director for the Asia Pacific region, where he was responsible for Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and India. He later opened new opportunities in Vietnam, Cambodia and Macao as part of the region’s development.
“Bill’s wealth of experience and the strength of his achievements leading direct selling businesses in APAC will enable him to hit the ground running, taking Avon’s business in the region to the next level,” said Avon Global President Miguel Fernandez.
Rahn succeeds Richard Pinnock, who will lead a new global sales function at Avon to drive world-class Representative satisfaction and retention. “Richard and his new team will focus on building and delivering a world-class experience for our 6 million direct selling Representatives to support them in growing their businesses,” said Fernandez.