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Sharmila Chatterjee Named Youngevity Managing Director for Russia, CIS Countries

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Youngevity International, a Chula Vista, California-based omni-direct lifestyle company, has hired Sharmila Chatterjee, Ph.D., as managing director for Russia and CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Chatterjee join our team,” said Vice President of International Sales & Operations Luke Taffuri. “Her previous successes and experience should help us address more of Russian’s $2 billion direct selling market.”

Chatterjee has been the treasurer and an active member of the Russian DSA, and has contributed to many articles pertaining to the retail and direct selling channel in the local press. Additionally, she has supported many projects aimed at promoting entrepreneurship in Russia and charity programs that are affiliated with Olympic sportsmen. Since 2004, she has worked for direct selling companies as a managing director in Russia, Kazakhstan and Ukraine, overseeing the different functional areas of business.

“Our executive team all recognized her credentials, track record, experience and knowledge of the direct selling business as the embodiment of the type of leadership qualities we sought for this extremely important position,” Taffuri said.

“I am very excited to have this opportunity to join Youngevity International as it continues to build upon its international growth strategy,” Chatterjee said. “In my opinion, Youngevity is a leader in its innovative approach to the direct sales business, and I felt this was an opportunity to join a company with a clear vision and strategy that combines e-commerce with the important elements of person-to-person selling. I look forward to building on my experiences and upon the commitment and foundation they have in place in this exciting market.”

Chatterjee holds a Ph.D. in biophysics from Moscow State University and an MBA from Kingston University Business School, U.K.

Isagenix Appoints Jonas Hedberg General Manager, Europe

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Isagenix International, a Gilbert, Arizona-based global health and wellness company providing nutrition and lifestyle solutions, has appointed Jonas Hedberg as the company’s general manager of Europe.

Hedberg, a Swedish national who is fluent in Swedish, English, German and French, will lead the company’s efforts in the European market from Isagenix’s London office. He brings extensive experience to his new role, having led established and startup businesses in the direct selling channel for nearly 20 years. Most recently, he served as general manager of Europe at a nutritional company where, under his leadership, the company grew steadily through the creation of a new generation of leaders in the field and expanded into four new European markets.

“We’re honored to have Jonas join Isagenix,” said Isagenix Co-Founder and Chairman Jim Coover. “We plan to expand our presence in Europe in the next two years, and Jonas’ direct selling expertise and strong leadership will greatly benefit our company and the Associates who share our transformational solutions with others.”

Isagenix entered the European market in 2017 and has operations in the U.K., Ireland and the Netherlands.

“I’m pleased to be part of Isagenix as it builds its operations in Europe,” Hedberg said. “This is a terrific market for the company’s impressive, high-quality nutritional products, which also offer an opportunity for people to build their own businesses. I look forward to working with the Isagenix management team to expand the company’s reach across Europe and make a lasting impact.”

Young Living Names Jared Turner President and COO

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Young Living Essential Oils has announced that it has named Jared S. Turner as its president. Turner also will remain as chief operating officer, the role in which he has served for the past two years. He will continue to work closely with the Lehi, Utah-based company’s founder and chairman of the Board Gary Young and CEO Mary Young to fulfill their vision of providing Young Living’s pure essential oils to every home in the world.

“I demand perfection because our members deserve the best, and Jared is the trusted leader who has ridden the river beside me through the ups and downs of this essential oils journey,” said Gary Young. “He has proven to be a successful and trusted leader and brings to this position a strong reputation for developing people and inspiring teams. He shares my love of people, natural health, adventure and nature. Jared has proven himself and will carry my vision forward.”

According to the company, Turner has been a driving force in growing Young Living into a billion-dollar business. Revenue has increased by more than 800 percent over the past five years, and the company now has more than 4 million customers, 3,000 employees and 16 corporate and partner farms worldwide.

“Jared’s purpose-driven mindset is a perfect asset to guide our company forward,” said Mary Young. “Under his guidance, Young Living is well-positioned to follow the path that Gary and I envisioned 24 years ago, when we started the company.”

Turner joined Young Living in 2012 as associate general counsel over international with a strong background in international business and law. He was then appointed chief sales and marketing officer, where he was responsible for strategically identifying and executing Young Living’s global vision for growth, overseeing 20 markets and managing over 1,000 global sales and marketing employees.

“This is the honor of a lifetime, and I don’t take it lightly,” said Turner. “Gary and Mary set a path for Young Living where people are first and foremost, the quality of essential oils is paramount and creating a connection to nature is imperative. Young Living will never deviate from that path under my leadership as we continue to share the gift of essential oils with millions of people.”

Prior to joining Young Living, Turner was an international business attorney at Kirton McConkie, the largest law firm in Utah, where he advised multinational companies and nonprofits on expanding their businesses internationally. Turner also successfully built and ran his own companies, and has two decades of experience in network marketing.

Youngevity Acquires Gigi Hill Brand

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Youngevity International, a Chula Vista, California-based omni-direct lifestyle company, has acquired the Gigi Hill handbag and accessory brand. The company also has entered into a long-term contract with Gabrielle “Gigi” DeSantis, co-founder of Gigi Hill, to lead the integration of Gigi Hill products.

Steve Wallach, Youngevity CEO, said, “We are impressed with the loyal following of the Gigi Hill brand and we are excited to be forging a partnership with Ms. DeSantis. We anticipate this partnership has the potential to create excitement and positively impact other verticals within Youngevity.”

Gigi Hill, based in Orange County, California, and started in 2007 by DeSantis and Co-Founder Monica Hillman, was born out of the need for women to have more stylish and functional handbags and luggage. The line will be marketed within Youngevity’s fashion and jewelry products where the company believes many strong cross-marketing opportunities exist. Gigi Hill’s new collection is expected to be available in the second quarter of 2018.

“We are extremely honored and excited to join the Youngevity team and its family of brands,” said DeSantis. “We feel Gigi Hill’s unique collection of travel and everyday accessories will thrive within Youngevity’s omni-direct platform. As part of Youngevity, our Stylists should greatly benefit from the robust earning opportunity and cross-selling benefits that exists within Youngevity.”

Thirty-One Gifts Begins Nationwide Tour

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Thirty-One Gifts, a Columbus, Ohio-based seller of handbags, accessories and organizational products, is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a nationwide tour. Beginning today, a pink mobile shop is scheduled to roll across the country to mark the anniversary. The tour began at Laguna Hills, California, and traverses the country until making a final stop July 21-23 in Columbus, Ohio, the location of the company’s headquarters and its annual conference for the sales field.

“We’re celebrating our 15-year success with our customers nationwide,” said Cindy Monroe, Thirty-One Gifts founder and CEO. “With their help, we’ve become one of the largest direct-selling organizations in the world and we want to thank them and host them at our shop in person. We look forward to sharing our products and mission, including giving back, with those who don’t know us, and talking with women who are considering self-employment through direct selling.”

The shop comprises a 26-foot-long trailer pulled by a truck and is accessible for those with disabilities. Guests may visit the shop and explore fashion, home organization and utility products; learn about the opportunity to become a Thirty-One independent sales consultant; participate in community nonprofit give-back opportunities; and win prizes.

With a theme entitled “The Life You Love Is in the Bag,” the Thirty-One Gifts Celebration Tour will visit 69 cities for one or two days each. At each stop Thirty-One will give away an organizing utility tote to the first 50 guests (18 and older). There also will be prize drawings with $100 worth of products awarded to five guests daily, and everyone who visits the shop will receive a gift.

Giving back is fundamental to Thirty-One, and the company will include its give-back mission through the celebration tour as well. Its charitable initiative, Thirty-One Gives, works to empower girls, women and families to lead purposeful, thriving lives. Since 2012, Thirty-One Gives has donated $100 million in products and cash to charitable organizations that share their mission. Community service projects, conducted during the celebration tour with Thirty-One Gives’ nonprofit partners, include World Vision, Kids In Need Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Operation Homefront and Girls on the Run, providing engagement opportunities for guests to support the organizations.

The celebration tour route can be followed at www.mythirtyone.com/info/CelebrationTour, where locations are listed, and an interactive map follows the route. There also is a special Facebook page for the tour at www.facebook.com/thirtyonetour. People who see the pink trailer during the road trip are encouraged to tag social media using #thirtyonetour.

Cindy Monroe started Thirty-One in her basement in 2003, and now Thirty-One Gifts is one of the world’s largest direct-selling companies, with more than 1,000 employees and nearly 60,000 independent sales Consultants across the U.S. and Canada.

AdvoCare Foundation’s #GenerationFit to Raise Funds for Kids in Need

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The AdvoCare Foundation, along with four‐time CrossFit® Games Champion Rich Froning, has challenged the public to raise awareness of childhood obesity by taking part in its inaugural #GenerationFit workout event on Feb. 3.

The event will be held during the 25th Anniversary Celebration at AdvoCare’s annual National Success School with Froning leading a special workout.

Proceeds from #GenerationFit will help the AdvoCare Foundation continue to support organizations such as Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, LA’s Best (Los Angeles), Vetri Community Partnership (Philadelphia), REAL School Gardens (Dallas), C.H.O.I.C.E.S. Atlanta and YMCA (Dallas).

“Since its inception, the AdvoCare Foundation has been able to donate over $280,000 to non‐profits across the country,” said Allison Levy, president of the AdvoCare Foundation Board of Directors and executive vice president at AdvoCare. “With a goal to give $1 million by 2020, together we will continue to contribute to helping children live safe, happy and healthy lives.”

The AdvoCare Foundation, which was established in 2016, focuses on ending childhood obesity and encouraging kids to live healthy lives. For more information about the event, visit www.advocarefoundation.org/generationfit.

Isagenix Announces Promotions, Names Travis Ogden New CEO

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Isagenix International, a Gilbert, Arizona-based global health and wellness company providing nutrition and lifestyle solutions,  announced key executive promotions, including naming Travis Ogden as the company’s CEO, which was previously held by co-founder and chairman Jim Coover.

According to the company, the promotions position the organization for continued excellence and growth worldwide. Ogden joined Isagenix in 2016 as president and chief operating officer. He has been an integral part of the executive leadership team, helping refine operations.

“I’m not stepping down or stepping aside, but rather focusing on my duties as chairman of the Isagenix Board while Travis steps into a pivotal role and helps us take Isagenix to the next level,” Coover said. “Travis has proven himself time and again in the past two years. His strategic leadership has earned not only my respect, but also the respect of our nearly 1,000 employees and the thousands of independent distributors who share our transformational products with customers around the world. I am confident Travis will be an exceptional CEO.”

In 2017, Isagenix hit three key milestones: reaching nearly $1 billion in annual revenues, achieving nearly $6 billion in cumulative global sales since its inception in 2002, and entering the European market. The company now has operations in 15 countries.

“Joining Isagenix nearly two years ago is one of the best decisions I’ve made,” Ogden said. “I’ve been so honored to work with the Coover family, who are at the heart of this company.”

In addition to Ogden, the company promoted Travis Garza to president of global sales and marketing and Chantal Chaput to chief operating officer.

Garza has been with Isagenix since 2009, joining the company as vice president of sales for North America. In 2016, he was promoted to chief sales and marketing officer. In his new role, Garza will have expanded responsibilities for domestic and international sales, marketing and communications.

Chaput joined the company in 2016 as senior vice president of operations. As chief operating officer, she will assume responsibility for day-to-day operations and continue to lead product manufacturing and distribution.

“Travis and Chantal have been tremendous assets to the company, earning admiration from their peers, our employees and our independent distributors,” Ogden said. “We’re thrilled for them to assume additional responsibilities. Their leadership will be critical to our success moving forward.”

In addition to these promotions, Erik Coover, senior vice president of global field development, has been elected to the Isagenix board. He will serve on the board alongside his father, Jim, and his mother, Kathy, who is co-founder and executive vice president at Isagenix. Other board members include Travis Ogden and Jim Pierce.

“Erik has done an outstanding job introducing Isagenix to a new generation, and serving on the board will allow him to make an even greater impact on the company’s long-term future,” Jim Coover said.

Stream Announces Steve Fisher as Chief Sales Officer

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Stream, a Dallas, Texas-based provider of connected life services, recently announced the appointment of Steve Fisher to chief sales officer.

Steve Fisher

Fisher is a founding leader of Stream’s direct selling arm and one of its most successful Independent Associates, achieving the highest leadership position possible within the organization and becoming one of its top earners. He has since developed and mentored many other successful Independent Associates and has been a trusted advisor to Stream’s executive team. Prior to starting his Stream business, Fisher held a corporate management role at American Airlines as an analyst of airport operations.

As chief sales officer, Fisher will oversee activities relating to Stream’s field operations and activities, including training compensation. He is joined by Stream’s new senior vice president of Sales, Ryan Morris. Morris also is a top leader within Stream’s Associate organization.

Ryan Morris

“I’m very pleased to welcome Steve and Ryan to the corporate team,” said Stream President and CEO Larry Mondry. “I believe that field leadership and representation within our corporate team is vital to the success of our Associates and our business. Their knowledge and perspective are invaluable in shaping future field activities and helping to secure a brighter future for Stream and all of our Associates.”

Mannatech Promotes Landen Fredrick, Joel Bikman

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Mannatech, a Coppell, Texas-based global health and wellness company, recently announced that it has promoted two senior members of its executive team—Landen Fredrick and Joel Bikman.

Landen Fredrick

Fredrick, who previously served as senior vice president of global operations, was promoted to chief global sales officer and president, North America. He will coordinate worldwide sales activity and have P&L responsibility for all sales activity in the United States and Canada.

“I have seen, on a very personal level within my immediate family, the powerful health benefits of our products, particularly Ambrotose,” said Fredrick. “Having spent my first six years at Mannatech in sales and recently six years in operations, I am excited about this new role where I can utilize my experiences to help build our sales team of over 200,000 Associates into a formidable force in the exploding wellness industry.”

 

Mannatech CEO Al Bala said, “As we accelerate our sales pace, we must continue to build a pro-Associate culture inside our organization. Landen’s experience and passion for Mannatech and our life-changing products uniquely qualify him to lead our

 

sales growth around the world.”

Joel Bikman

Bikman, previously the senior vice president of sales and marketing, was given new, additional responsibilities over supply chain, logistics and facilities, and was promoted to chief operating and marketing officer. He will continue to lead the company’s marketing and research and development activities.

“It is an honor to work with the people and teams at Mannatech to develop and distribute these amazing products,” said Bikman. “I’m fortunate to work every day and do things that help make the world a healthier place. Within my family, too, I have personally seen the benefits of Ambrotose, and other Mannatech products, in improving health and wellness.”

Both promotions were announced earlier this month during a company communications meeting, and were effective immediately.

Avon Appoints Paul Stephens as Executive Director Sales UK

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London, U.K.-based Avon has appointed Paul Stephens as executive director of Sales for Avon U.K. His new role takes effect immediately.

Stephens, who was born in Scotland, joined Avon as a division manager in the United Kingdom before progressing through roles leading the sales leadership program. He then became a regional manager, with responsibility for the southern U.K. Most recently, he was Avon Justine executive sales director in South Africa.

“I am very happy to be welcoming Paul back to the U.K.,” said Matthieu Comard, general manager of Western Europe.

Modere Appoints Asma Ishaq as CEO

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Modere, a Springville, Utah-based seller of beauty and personal care, health and wellness and household products, recently announced that Asma Ishaq, president of the company’s Collagen Sciences division and its chief industry relations officer, will become CEO effective immediately. She succeeds Robert S. Conlee, who will become the company’s chairman.

Ishaq co-founded Jusuru International Inc. in 2009 and led the company through its acquisition by Modere in February 2017. Jusuru was the company behind nutraceuticals and skincare products based on a multi-patented Collagen/HA Matrix Technology® intended for joint, skin and connective tissue health. Her company’s Liquid BioCell products have pioneered the collagen and hyaluronic acid dietary supplement and skincare markets.

“Asma is a proven entrepreneur who brings a tremendous amount of experience and best practices to our company,” said James Zenni, president and CEO of Z Capital Partners and member of Modere’s Board. “She has significantly influenced our organization in a short period of time, and I know that she will build upon what the Modere team has accomplished to lead our company through its next phase of growth.”

Ishaq has significant experience in skincare and nutritional supplement manufacturing, product development and formulation, across multiple distribution channels. She has served the direct selling channel on the DSA Board of Directors, the nutrition industry as a Committee Member on the Council of Responsible Nutrition, and the personal care industry as an advisory panel member of the International Fragrance Association of North America (IFRANA). She is also a speaker who has spoken at dozens of conferences and appeared on TV and radio programs.

“I am honored to take the company’s helm and follow in the footsteps of Robert, with whom I have worked closely during my time at Modere,” said Ishaq. “After experiencing double- and triple-digit growth rates in 2017 across our large markets, including the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe, we will focus our resources on driving innovation, maintaining an unsurpassed level of excellence and continuing to set award-winning industry standards with our science-based, clean label products. I look forward to serving our internal and external teams in this new capacity and continuing Modere’s growth.”

Conlee, who joined Modere in 2012 and has helped to rebrand the company globally and implement a new business model for its operations across 30 countries and six corporate offices, said, “I take great pride in helping to launch a world-class brand that helps improve quality of life in several ways. Under Asma’s leadership, Modere is well-positioned to achieve our strategic growth plans. I look forward to continuing to contribute to Modere’s future success and its efforts in providing opportunities and health benefits for thousands of people as Chairman.”

Melaleuca Promotes Jerry Felton to President of International

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Melaleuca, Idaho Falls, an Idaho-based natural health and wellness brand, has promoted Jerry Felton to president of Melaleuca International. Felton, who previously served as Melaleuca’s senior vice president of International, will oversee all the company’s international operations in the 16 countries where it does business.

Felton has been with Melaleuca for nine years. He served as senior vice president of Sales for nearly four years. Under his leadership as senior vice president of International, Melaleuca’s international operations tripled in size, growing by more than $800 million in annual sales in the past three years alone.

“Jerry has been a skillful administrator in leading Melaleuca’s operations both domestically and internationally,” said CEO Frank VanderSloot. “He is extremely well prepared to take on this role. Our 16 international companies are in good hands.”

Prior to Melaleuca, Felton spent 17 years at UPS, the largest shipping company in the world, where he served as the company’s vice president of Global Accounts. “I am humbled,” Felton said. “Our international success is a tribute to the whole worldwide Melaleuca team who has worked so hard and produced tremendous results over the years.”

Melaleuca develops, manufactures and markets more than 450 health and wellness products.