New Avon LLC has announced that Helene F. Rutledge has been hired as the company’s Chief Innovation Officer, effective June 8, 2016.

In this newly-created position, Rutledge will oversee all aspects of research & development. She will be responsible for establishing an innovation strategy and new product development processes, involving both internal and external capabilities.

Rutledge will report directly to Scott White, Chief Executive Officer for New Avon.

White stated, “Helene brings nearly three decades of operational and innovation experience to New Avon. She has strong experience running product innovation for world-class consumer and pharmaceutical companies – expertise which will be invaluable to our product innovation efforts at New Avon.

White continued, “Helene will be an outstanding addition to the leadership team, and she will build upon our legacy of offering women first-to-market breakthrough beauty technologies, including our highly successful Anew anti-aging skincare line and Avon Color cosmetics.”

About Helene Rutledge

Prior, Rutledge was VP of R&D at NBTY, which includes the Nature’s Bounty supplement brand. She led product development across NBTY’s diverse brands that include solid dose, liquid, powder, food and cosmetic products.

Previously, she served as the head of global open innovation for GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, and was sr. vice president of technology at AeroDesigns. Earlier in her career, Rutledge worked at Avon Products, Inc., leading process development for fragrance, children’s and bath products.

Last week, New Avon announced that it appointed Jack Stahl as Chairman of its Board of Managers; and Scott White joined the Board of Managers. 

Read More

L’Oreal USA Appoints Its First-Ever Chief Retail Officer