Avon Signs Reese Witherspoon as First Ever Global Ambassador
02/08/2007 00:48
Economie, Business & Financien / Business algemeen-Economie, Business & Financien
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NEW YORK, August 1 /PRNewswire/ --
Avon Products, Inc. (NYSE: AVP) today announced that it has signed
world-renowned, Oscar-winning actress, Reese Witherspoon, as the company's
first ever Global Ambassador. In this newly-established role, Ms. Witherspoon
will serve as the Honorary Chairman of the Avon Foundation, focusing on
breast cancer, domestic violence and emergency relief initiatives, and she
will be the spokeswoman for Avon's beauty brands and Sales Representatives.
(Photos: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070801/LAW220-a
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070801/LAW220-b
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070801/LAW220-c )
As part of this multi-year agreement, Ms. Witherspoon will also be
involved in product development initiatives, and appear globally in Avon
advertising, web sites and in the company's brochures. Financial terms of the
agreement were not disclosed.
"We are thrilled to welcome Reese as our Global Ambassador and believe
she will give a strong voice to the company's commitment to empowering
women," said Andrea Jung, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Avon
Products, Inc. "As the company for women, Avon wanted to partner with someone
who could represent not only our world-famous beauty brand, but also could be
a source of inspiration for our more than 5 million Avon Representatives
around the world -- and Reese is a perfect fit. She is an accomplished
actress, a successful producer and a working mother -- and clearly embodies
the drive, the commitment and entrepreneurial spirit that is at the heart of
the Avon Representative."
"Our partnership with Reese represents a breakthrough moment for our
company -- and comes just months after the launch of our successful Hello
Tomorrow campaign, which signaled a true evolution for the Avon brand," said
Geralyn Breig, Senior Vice President and Global Brand President, Avon
Products, Inc. "This is the first time we have had celebrity representation
on all three dimensions of our business -- our philanthropic initiatives, our
brand, and the Avon Representative -- and we are incredibly excited to have
someone of Reese's talent and stature add her voice to Avon's message to help
bring it to the world."
The Avon Foundation and Ms. Witherspoon will partner in raising awareness
for the Foundation's programs in the areas of breast cancer, domestic
violence and emergency relief. The Avon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public
charity founded in 1955 with the mission of championing the health and well
being of women globally through its philanthropic efforts.
"I am very excited to be partnering with Avon. Avon is more than an
iconic world class beauty leader -- it is a company that is known the world
over as a crusader for women's causes," said Ms. Witherspoon. "I am truly
impressed by how Avon has been able to effect real change in the communities
in which it does business, and by how committed the company is to providing
economic and personal fulfillment to women all over the world. I feel a great
responsibility in my own life to give back to society. Now, as the Honorary
Chairman of the Avon Foundation, I am proud to be joining in the great
philanthropic work that is already underway."
Reese Witherspoon
Reese Witherspoon is a style icon, a mom, a comedienne, a producer and an
Academy Award winning actress. One of Hollywood's most sought after and
respected talents, she is also beloved for her down to earth approachability
and warmth.
Witherspoon grew up in Tennessee, and returned to her roots to play June
Carter Cash in the musical bio-pic, WALK THE LINE. Her extraordinary
performance earned her the 2005 Academy Award for Best Actress, the BAFTA,
the Golden Globe, the Screen Actors Guild Award, the New York Film Critics
Award and many other honors.
Her wide-ranging body of work is marked by unforgettable characters, and
she received Golden Globe nominations for her work in both the critically
acclaimed Alexander Payne satire, ELECTION, and the box office hit, LEGALLY
BLONDE.
Witherspoon has a production company, TYPE A FILMS, through which she
produced LEGALLY BLONDE II, and the upcoming original fable, PENELOPE,
starring Christina Ricci.
Her other films include THE MAN IN THE MOON, FREEWAY, FEAR,
PLEASANTVILLE, SWEET HOME ALABAMA, VANITY FAIR, and JUST LIKE HEAVEN.
Witherspoon has been active with Save The Children and serves on the
board of the Children's Defense Fund.
About Avon
Avon, the company for women, is a leading global beauty company, with
almost US$9 billion in annual revenue. As the world's largest direct seller,
Avon markets to women in well over 100 countries through over five million
independent Avon Sales Representatives. Avon's product line includes beauty
products, fashion jewelry and apparel, and features such well-recognized
brand names as Avon Color, Anew, Skin-So-Soft, Avon Solutions, Advance
Techniques, Avon Naturals, Mark, and Avon Wellness. Learn more about Avon and
its products at http://www.avoncompany.com
About the Avon Foundation
The Avon Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity, was founded in 1955 with
a mission to improve the lives of women and their families. Today that
mission is realized primarily through its Breast Cancer Crusade, which funds
access to care and research and is the leading corporate program supporting
the breast cancer cause, as well as its Speak Out Against Domestic Violence
initiative that seeks to end the cycle of family violence through education,
direct services, and prevention programs. More information about the Avon
Foundation can be found at http://avonfoundation.org.
Web site: http://www.bncpr.com
Jennifer Green of BNC on behalf of Avon, +1-310-854-4789; or Debora Coffey of Avon Products, Inc., +1-212-282-5660, +1-917-754-2932; Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070801/LAW220-a, http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070801/LAW220-b, http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070801/LAW220-c, AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org, AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN23-PRN24-PRN25, PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com