Reese Witherspoon named Avon Global Ambassador

(NEW YORK) Reese Witherspoon has been named the first ever Avon Global Ambassador. The 31-year-old actress, clad in a cream Nina Ricci cotton pencil skirt, layered cashmere and linen tanks, and snakeskin Manolo Blahniks, was on hand at the officiating ceremony at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles this afternoon. In her new role, Witherspoon will serve as the honorary chairman of the Avon Foundation, focusing on breast cancer, domestic violence, and emergency relief initiatives. The Legally Blonde star and Oscar winner will also be the spokeswoman for Avon's beauty brands, providing her strong and influential voice for the global company.

Andrea Jung, chairman and chief executive officer of Avon Products Inc., described the accomplished actress and producer as the perfect individual for the new role. "Reese is a perfect fit," she said. "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. Reese clearly embodies the drive, the commitment, and the entrepreneurial spirit that is at the heart of the Avon Representative." Witherspoon, for her part, said she was "proud to be joining the great philanthropic work" that Avon has established. "I feel a great responsibility in my own life to give back to society."

The mother of two added that she was excited and 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." Witherspoon's production company, Type A Films, has produced the upcoming original fable Penelope, starring Christina Ricci.

"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."

Avon declined to comment on the financial details behind the multi-year deal, which will also have Witherspoon involved in product development and global appearances in Avon ising, websites, and the company's brochures.

Witherspoon's announcement isn't Avon's first high-profile involvement with a celebrity spokesperson. In 2001, Venus and Serena Williams signed a three-year contract with Avon for a television and print campaign connected to Avon's "Let's Talk" program. In February 2004, Salma Hayek was named a global spokesperson for Avon's flagship color cosmetic and fragrance brands after the company launched a multi-faceted partnership to tackle the issue of domestic violence through Speak Out Against Domestic Violence. The Avon Foundation has pledged $1 million over the last three years to the cause.

Last June, Avon came to the defense after unfounded reports surfaced that had Julia Roberts signing a reported $2 to $4 million contract with the beauty company. That story turned out to be nothing more than a rumor. And this fall, Avon and Cynthia Rowley will introduce the limited-edition Cynthia Rowley for Avon Fall 2007 Color Collection. Rowley is the first fashion designer to team up with the beauty brand.
JIM SHI