Avon Elects Sara Mathew to Board of Directors

Avon Products

today announced that its Board of Directors has elected Sara Mathew to the Board, effective January 1, 2014. Ms. Mathew's election increases Avon's Board to 11 Directors. Ms. Mathew, age 58, retired this year from her position as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation, where she led a transformation of that company from a data provider to an innovative digital enterprise. She will continue to serve as an advisor to that company through the end of 2013, to assist with a smooth transition to the new leadership. "Sara brings to Avon a wealth of experience ranging from business-to-business digital to the consumer products industry," said Doug Conant, Chairman of Avon's Board of Directors. "She has been recognized and celebrated for her transformational leadership and her financial and technological expertise, and will contribute greatly to Avon." "I look forward to joining the Avon Board, an iconic global company in the midst of a transformation," said Ms. Mathew. "I believe that the company has the right leadership and strategies in place and I am excited about bringing my experience to the team." "I'm pleased that Sara is joining the Avon Board," said Sheri McCoy, Avon's Chief Executive Officer. "Her business acumen and leadership experience will be critical as we move Avon forward." Ms. Mathew joined Dun & Bradstreet in 2001 as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. In 2005, she assumed the additional role of Head of Strategy and in January 2006 she assumed the additional role of President of the International division. In 2007, she was named President and Chief Operating Officer, and in 2010 she was named Chairman and CEO. Prior to Dun & Bradstreet, Ms. Mathew spent nearly 20 years with The Procter & Gamble Company, where she rose through a series of successive positions in both finance and marketing, ultimately serving in the roles of CFO of the Baby Care and Paper Products businesses, and Vice President of Finance in Asia. Ms. Mathew holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in physics, mathematics and chemistry from the University of Madras, in India, and a Masters in Business Administration from Xavier University. She is also a member of the Zurich International Advisory Council and a director of Campbell Soup Company and Freddie Mac. Avon, the company for women, is a leading global beauty company, with nearly $11 billion in annual revenue. As one of the world's largest direct sellers, Avon is sold through more than 6 million active independent Avon Sales Representatives. Avon products are available in over 100 countries, and the product line includes color cosmetics, skincare, fragrance, fashion and home products, featuring such well-recognized brand names as Avon Color, ANEW, Skin-So-Soft, Advance Techniques, and mark. Learn more about Avon and its products at www.avoncompany.com.