U.K. cosmetics maker Avon Products Inc. said Feb. 5 that it appointed Jan Zijderveld as CEO, effective immediately.
Zijderveld succeeded Sheri McCoy, who on Aug. 3, 2017, announced her retirement from the company on March 31, 2018, following pressure from activist investor Barington Capital Group LP over the company's lower-than-expected earnings results.
Barington Capital and other investors have sent a letter to Avon's board asking it to explore strategic alternatives, including a sale of the company in whole or in part.
Prior to joining Avon, Zijderveld spent 30 years in Unilever Plc, where he held a number of roles. He was a member of the personal products giant's executive committee, president of its European business, executive vice president of its Southeast Asia and Australasia operations, non-executive chairman of its Indonesian business, and CEO of Middle East and North Africa.
