Avon's Susan J. Kropf to Deliver Keynote Address at HBA Health & Beauty America

Susan J. Kropf, President and Chief Operating Officer, of Avon Products Inc., will deliver the Keynote Address at HBA Health & Beauty America (www.hbaexpo.com) taking place September 27-29, 2005 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York. Her presentation will be on Tuesday, September 27, at 9:00 a.m.

Princeton, NJ (PRWEB) May 31, 2005 -- Susan J. Kropf, President and Chief Operating Officer, of Avon Products Inc., will deliver the Keynote Address at HBA Health & Beauty America (www.hbaexpo.com) taking place September 27-29, 2005 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York. Her presentation will be on Tuesday, September 27, at 9:00 a.m.

According to Jack Gonzalez, Group Show Director of Beauty & Wellness events, Ms. Kropfs keynote address will add tremendous value to HBA-the premier health, beauty and personal care product development trade show and conference. Ms. Kropf has an impressive track record in marketing, product development and corporate leadership for the worlds largest direct seller of womens beauty and personal care products," he said. By sharing her insights on Avon's rich history and the company's successful strategies for sustaining brand power for over a century, Ms. Kropf promises to deliver critical information that will inform - and inspire - everyone who attends."

Since 2001, Ms. Kropf has full P&L responsibility for Avons worldwide business operations that generate $7.7 billion in annual revenues. She is a member of Avon's Board of Directors and she also chairs the Avon Operating Council.

Avon markets to women around the world through 4.9 million independent sales representatives in more than 100 countries. Avon product lines include such recognizable brand names as Avon Color, Anew, Skin-So-Soft, Avon Solutions, Advance Techniques Hair Care, Avon Naturals, Mark and Avon Wellness.

Ms. Kropf started her career at Avon in 1970, and is one of the companys most experienced executives. During her career she has held key positions in critical areas of the company's operations, including marketing, research and development, product development, customer service, manufacturing and others. In 1999, she was named Chief Operating Officer, North America, with responsibility for global marketing, supply chain, information technology, and the company's business transformation efforts.

Prior to her recent assignments, Ms. Kropf had been executive vice president and president, Avon North America from 1997 to 1999, and prior to that she was president, New and Emerging Markets from 1994 to 1997. Under her leadership, Russia became the fastest-growing new market entry in Avon's history. Central Europe also grew dramatically. In addition, Ms. Kropf had operating responsibility for China, and she led Avon's entry into South Africa.

Ms. Kropf earned a B.A. from St. John's University and an M.B.A. in Finance from New York University. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Sherwin Williams Company, MeadWestvaco Corp, the Fragrance Foundation and the Wallace Foundation. In November of 1997, Ms. Kropf was inducted into the YWCA Academy of Women Achievers. She recently received the March of Dimes Beautiful Apple Award for her distinguish career and reputation as a visionary and compassionate philanthropist.

In addition to the keynote address, HBA will feature an extensive educational program addressing a wide range of marketing, product development, and business strategy topics. The exhibit floors will also feature the latest products and services from the top companies in the business. Among the expected 550 international exhibitors at HBA will be formulators, contract fillers, ingredient suppliers and private label manufacturers as well as packaging, dispensing and labeling companies.

HBA is produced by CMP Princeton Inc., and is the largest industry-specific event in North America for the health, beauty and personal care industries. HBA is also launching INSIDE BEAUTY, a new event dedicated to the growing health, beauty and wellness market that will take place concurrently, September 27-29, 2005 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York. For more information on the HBA events, go to www.hbaexpo.com or contact 609-452-2800, ext. 118 or ktaulbee@cmpprinceton.com.

Editors Note: To receive press credentials for HBA Health & Beauty America, please contact Annie Scully at 1-845-368-0608 or e-mail: ascully@cmpprinceton.com.

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