Avon Products, Inc. (NYSE:AVP) has announced the retirement of Jeff Benjamin, who until then has been the company’s Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer. Mr. Benjamin has been at Avon since 2012 which he joined after retiring from 40-year career, 37 of which were at Novartis, previously known as Ciba Geigy. Benjamin will remain in his position as the company sources for his replacement. The company will be hiring a new General Counsel who will be stationed at its global headquarters in the UK.
Avon CEO Sheri McCoy say they will be working towards ensuring a smooth transition. He applauded Jeff for support and counsel to the company for the period he has been around.
In yet another segment, Avon Foundation will donate £2 million towards assisting women who are victims of violence. Half of the donation will be used in four countries including South Africa, Argentina, Romania and the United Kingdom. The remaining amount will be used fund no-profit organization that are engaged in helping women access legal options and resources against people who perpetrate the vise.
The donation is part of its commitment to curb domestic violence as well as supporting victims of violence globally. The donation marks the start of a global campaign by the company that focuses on several issues affecting women.
The company is an official partner with the International Women’s Day and it has pledged to lend its voice and resources in the fight against domestic violence.
In addition, Avon is also partnering with Refuge, a United Kingdom charity that works to curb and prevent domestic violence. The two have also partnered in conducting a survey on coercive control that is very common among women aged between 16 and 21. The results of the survey will form the basis for a new campaign which will be started with an aim of preventing this type of abuse.
Avon has for the last 130 years been an ardent advocator of innovation, beauty, optimism as well as hope for women. The company’s merchandise include common brands like Avon Color, ANEW, Skin-So-Soft, Avon Care as well as Advance Techniques which are sold via the company’s 6 million active sales representatives.
