The leading beauty brand made the announcement on 9th July 2018 as the Group’s new Vice President will preside over the entire APAC region.
New position
Bill Rahm, as part of this role, will look after the entire APAC region in terms of both strategy and development. This position will see the executive head of Avon's business preside over five areas including China, India, Taiwan, Malaysia and the Philippines.
APAC experience
Previously the Senior Vice President, Managing Director for APAC of Herbalife International of America (Herbalife), in his new position at APAC, Bill Rahm will now succeed Richard Pinnock. In his role at Herbalife, Bill looked after Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and India.
As the Managing Director, Bill also explored and created new opportunities in Macao, Vietnam and Cambodia to further advance its presence in the APAC region.
Global growth
A key aim of his will be to charge and develop a new global sales function within the company to “drive world-class Representative satisfaction and retention”.
Commenting on the importance of the APAC region to Avon brand and its international growth, Jan Zijderveld, Chief Executive Officer of Avon, highlighted: "APAC is an attractive, high priority region with strategic importance for 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."
Avon’s latest addition is expected to help enhance its place in worldwide beauty and personal care industry."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,” added Miguel Fernandez, Global President, Avon, who Bill will report to as part of the Company’s Management Committee.
"Richard Pinnock 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,” Fernandez went on to say.
Pushing for digital advancement
The latest addition to the Avon team comes as the brand aims to push forward with its digital transformation plans. Avon is investing in creating a new global sales organisation and is also advancing its customer experience approach by creating mobile and e-interactive shoppable brochures.
"Digitisation is at the heart of our strategy as we build a new, modern and relevant Avon that is both high-touch and high-tech," said Jan Zijderveld, Chief Executive Officer, Avon.
Sharing its plans, Zijderveld emphasised: “We are working intensely to build the right tools to support our 6 million strong network of beauty entrepreneurs to help them provide a personal service to their customers that is underpinned by strong digital capability. This pilot is off to a promising start with huge potential as we implement more broadly."