Avon’s Executive Search Bypasses Top Women

Avon Products Inc. bypassed the top women on its management team and chose an outsider as the heir apparent to Chief Executive James E. Preston, the company said. Charles Perrin, former chief executive of Duracell International Inc., will take over as vice chairman and chief operating officer Jan. 5, and is expected to succeed Preston as CEO in mid-1998. Perrin’s appointment follows speculation that New York-based Avon was prepared to name one of its top three female executives to its helm. Christina Gold, executive vice president; Susan Kropf, head of U.S. operations; and Andrea Jung, global marketing president, were all passed over. But Jung was named president of Avon’s worldwide operations and elected, along with Kropf, to the company’s board of directors. This fall, the direct-seller announced a $400-million restructuring that will help reduce its costs while it explores new strategies, including opening retail outlets. Avon’s stock rose 31 cents to close at $62.44 on the New York Stock Exchange.