Leadership transition in Avon International

Kristof Neirynck will be promoted to CEO of Avon as of January 1st 2024 

Natura &Co has announced Kristof Neirynck, currently the Chief Marketing Officer and Managing Director for Western Europe, as the new CEO of Avon. After a landmark 25 years with the company, Angela Cretu will continue to support and contribute to the Avon business, as an adviser. 

Under Angela’s leadership, we have initiated a successful turnaround strategy, streamlining our operating model and radically simplifying our portfolio. Through a major transformation of the commercial model, R&D redesign, and technology modernisation, Avon’s traditional direct selling model is transitioning to social selling, focusing on the future with an omnichannel approach. As CEO, Angela reignited our purpose-driven campaigning, empowering women to embrace their power and improve their lives with accessible world-class beauty and flexible earning and learning opportunities, while supporting causes like raising awareness of breast cancer and gender-based violence. 

Kristof, a visionary leader, excels in business turnarounds and driving step-change growth. As Global Chief Marketing Officer for Avon for the past two years, he drove a complete brand relaunch and achieved significant gross margin improvement. In early 2023, Kristof assumed the role of Managing Director for Western Europe. Under his leadership, the region’s profitability improved, the core direct selling channel stabilised, and significant omnichannel access to the brand was established. 

Before joining Avon, Kristof served as the Chief Marketing Officer for Global Brands at Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA). In this role, he oversaw a portfolio of 20+ owned brands across Beauty and Consumer Healthcare, representing over $4 billion in sales globally. Prior to WBA, he spent 13 years at P&G, where he held leadership positions in key divisions. 

Alessandro Carlucci will also be rejoining the Natura &Co group as adviser to Avon to assist with our continued turnaround and plans for future growth. Carlucci, who served as CEO of Natura from 2005 to 2014, brings a wealth of experience from Chairman roles in organisations like BSR and Arezzo&Co, along with his presidency of the World Federation of Direct Sales Associations from 2012-2014. 

“Angela's departure has been a thoroughly planned process, coming only after stabilising the business and identifying the right successor. We are thrilled that she will continue to be by our side, and in the name of the Board, I would like to thank her deeply for her leadership. I’m delighted to welcome Kristof as CEO of Avon, capitalising on his deep understanding of the business, its spirit and values. I am also pleased to welcome Alessandro back to the organisation, bringing with him his expertise of direct sales and cosmetics,” said Fabio Barbosa, Natura &Co CEO. 

Angela Cretu said, “I have had the privilege of experiencing an Avon journey that has been nothing short of fascinating, addictive, and fulfilling. I am grateful for the unwavering partnership and shared values of my Avon team, and for the wise guidance and support of my mentors, the Natura &Co founders and Board. Most of all, my life's purpose and values have been shaped by the countless women from the countries where I have worked and lived, who generously shared their life stories with me.” 

Kristof Neirynck said, “I am honoured to take on this new role at Avon and continue its evolution to become an omnichannel, relationship selling business, with Representatives at its core. We have an iconic brand: innovative, and affordable products, and a business model that creates opportunities for women to embrace their power, on their own terms.”