Avon Signs Reese Witherspoon as First Ever Global Ambassador

Avon Signs Reese Witherspoon as First Ever Global Ambassador

NEW YORK, Aug. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Avon Products, Inc. (NYSE:AVP) today announced that it has signed world-renowned, Oscar-winning actress, Reese Witherspoon, as the company's first ever Global Ambassador. In this newly-established role, Ms. Witherspoon will serve as the Honorary Chairman of the Avon Foundation, focusing on breast cancer, domestic violence and emergency relief initiatives, and she will be the spokeswoman for Avon's beauty brands and Sales Representatives.

   (Photos:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070801/LAW220-a             http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070801/LAW220-b             http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070801/LAW220-c )  

As part of this multi-year agreement, Ms. Witherspoon will also be involved in product development initiatives, and appear globally in Avon advertising, web sites and in the company's brochures. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

"We are thrilled to welcome Reese as our Global Ambassador and believe she will give a strong voice to the company's commitment to empowering women," said Andrea Jung, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Avon Products, Inc. "As the company for women, Avon wanted to partner with someone who could represent not only our world-famous beauty brand, but also could be a source of inspiration for our more than 5 million Avon Representatives around the world -- and Reese is a perfect fit. She is an accomplished actress, a successful producer and a working mother -- and clearly embodies the drive, the commitment and entrepreneurial spirit that is at the heart of the Avon Representative."

"Our partnership with Reese represents a breakthrough moment for our company -- and comes just months after the launch of our successful Hello Tomorrow campaign, which signaled a true evolution for the Avon brand," said Geralyn Breig, Senior Vice President and Global Brand President, Avon Products, Inc. "This is the first time we have had celebrity representation on all three dimensions of our business -- our philanthropic initiatives, our brand, and the Avon Representative -- and we are incredibly excited to have someone of Reese's talent and stature add her voice to Avon's message to help bring it to the world."

The Avon Foundation and Ms. Witherspoon will partner in raising awareness for the Foundation's programs in the areas of breast cancer, domestic violence and emergency relief. The Avon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity founded in 1955 with the mission of championing the health and well being of women globally through its philanthropic efforts.

"I am very excited to be partnering with Avon. Avon is more than an iconic world class beauty leader -- it is a company that is known the world over as a crusader for women's causes," said Ms. Witherspoon. "I am truly impressed by how Avon has been able to effect real change in the communities in which it does business, and by how committed the company is to providing economic and personal fulfillment to women all over the world. I feel a great responsibility in my own life to give back to society. Now, as the Honorary Chairman of the Avon Foundation, I am proud to be joining in the great philanthropic work that is already underway."

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon is a style icon, a mom, a comedienne, a producer and an Academy Award winning actress. One of Hollywood's most sought after and respected talents, she is also beloved for her down to earth approachability and warmth.

Witherspoon grew up in Tennessee, and returned to her roots to play June Carter Cash in the musical bio-pic, WALK THE LINE. Her extraordinary performance earned her the 2005 Academy Award for Best Actress, the BAFTA, the Golden Globe, the Screen Actors Guild Award, the New York Film Critics Award and many other honors.

Her wide-ranging body of work is marked by unforgettable characters, and she received Golden Globe nominations for her work in both the critically acclaimed Alexander Payne satire, ELECTION, and the box office hit, LEGALLY BLONDE.

Witherspoon has a production company, TYPE A FILMS, through which she produced LEGALLY BLONDE II, and the upcoming original fable, PENELOPE, starring Christina Ricci.

Her other films include THE MAN IN THE MOON, FREEWAY, FEAR, PLEASANTVILLE, SWEET HOME ALABAMA, VANITY FAIR, and JUST LIKE HEAVEN.

Witherspoon has been active with Save The Children and serves on the board of the Children's Defense Fund.

About Avon

Avon, the company for women, is a leading global beauty company, with almost $9 billion in annual revenue. As the world's largest direct seller, Avon markets to women in well over 100 countries through over five million independent Avon Sales Representatives. Avon's product line includes beauty products, fashion jewelry and apparel, and features such well-recognized brand names as Avon Color, Anew, Skin-So-Soft, Avon Solutions, Advance Techniques, Avon Naturals, Mark, and Avon Wellness. Learn more about Avon and its products at http://www.avoncompany.com/

About the Avon Foundation

The Avon Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity, was founded in 1955 with a mission to improve the lives of women and their families. Today that mission is realized primarily through its Breast Cancer Crusade, which funds access to care and research and is the leading corporate program supporting the breast cancer cause, as well as its Speak Out Against Domestic Violence initiative that seeks to end the cycle of family violence through education, direct services, and prevention programs. More information about the Avon Foundation can be found at http://avonfoundation.org/.

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Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070801/LAW220-a
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Source: Avon Products, Inc.

CONTACT: Jennifer Green of BNC on behalf of Avon,
+1-310-854-4789; or Debora Coffey of Avon Products, Inc., +1-212-282-5660,
+1-917-754-2932

Web site: http://www.bncpr.com/

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Profile: International Entertainment