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Tag: Avon

  • Quest Retail appoints Rahul Shanker as group CEO

    Quest Retail appoints Rahul Shanker as group CEO

    MUMBAI: Quest Retail, a key omnichannel player in the beauty, fashion, and lifestyle sectors, has announced the appointment of Rahul Shanker as group CEO. Shanker will oversee the company’s four business verticals and its operations in India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Quest Retail’s brand portfolio includes notable names such as The Body Shop, Kiehl’s, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Kylie Cosmetics, Avon, and Max Factor.

    Shanker brings over two decades of experience in leadership roles across various sectors, having previously served as the CEO of Modicare, where he achieved over fivefold revenue growth. He has a demonstrated track record of turning around struggling businesses and driving profitability through strategic transformation
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    An alumnus of Amity University (MBA) and Sri Venkateswara College, Delhi University (BSc. Hons), Shanker has held CEO and MD roles since 2015. His extensive background spans prominent companies such as PepsiCo, Wrigley-Mars, Philips, and Avon, where he was instrumental in launching new products and executing high-impact marketing campaigns.

    With experience in both multinational and Indian firms, Shanker is recognised for his ability to set effective cost structures and innovate go-to-market strategies, making him a valuable asset to Quest Retail as it continues to expand its market presence.

  • Jayant Kapre joins Avon as new MD India

    Jayant Kapre joins Avon as new MD India

    MUMBAI: Avon announced the appointment of Jayant Kapre as the new managing director for Avon India. In his new role, Kapre will be responsible for driving the overall growth for Avon businesses in India.

    Kapre is a seasoned leader with more than two decades of work experience across industries. He has spent the last 10 years building profitable businesses from the ground up in Indian as well as south-east Asian markets. Kapre has a successful track record of leading multinational organisations, while independently managing the complete business and P&L (Profit and Loss) responsibilities.

    In his previous roles, he has worked with Unilever, Wrigley, PepsiCo and United Biscuits across business leadership roles. He is a specialist in starting up businesses and brands in new spaces, and further, has experience in managing various go-to-market channels viz. general trade, modern trade and e-commerce.

    Commenting on his new role at AVON, Kapre said, “I am truly inspired by the work AVON has been delivering over the last 130 years to economically empower women through beauty and the commitment to making a positive social, economic and environmental impact to local communities. Together with a strong purpose-driven approach at heart, innovative and iconic products to meet the needs of Indian consumers and a highly capable team, I am looking forward to driving the next phase of growth for the business and contributing to its success.”

    Kapre has done his masters in business administration from IIM Ahmedabad, one of the top B-schools of India, and BA in economics from Hindu College, Delhi University.

  • AVON launches #IsloatedNotAlone campaign to frontline domestic abuse services during the COVID-19 lockdown

    AVON launches #IsloatedNotAlone campaign to frontline domestic abuse services during the COVID-19 lockdown

    AVON, along with Avon Foundation For Women, has announced USD $1Million in new grants to 50 frontline services and charity organizations across the world. The emergency grant programme was launched in tandem with AVON’s #IsolatedNotAlone campaign, responding to the surge in domestic violence cases in the wake of the coronavirus lockdown.

    The funding will provide crucial support for over 250,000 at-risk women and children who are affected by rapidly rising domestic abuse rates. The grants will be shared across 37 countries, including Brazil, Mexico, India, Philippines, Germany and the UK. 

    In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, women, and children already at risk of domestic violence have become more vulnerable leading to a global surge in domestic violence. According to the latest data released by the National Commission of Women, the number of women calling support services has doubled in India after the announcement of the lockdown. Of the 257 complaints received (post lockdown and only in the month of March), 69 are related to domestic violence.

    In India, AVON has partnered with three NGOs – Shakti Shalini, Swayam and Family Planning Association of India (FPAI) – to provide a total grant of USD $122,500 (approximately Rs.94 lakhs).

    Family Planning Association of India will use the grant to provide essential services in rural communities across the country, including counselling for vulnerable women and children affecting by domestic abuse.

    Swayam will use the funds to provide 400 women survivors of violence and their children (with whom Swayam works) with support services, including emergency rations, immediate medical aid, skill training and educational support for their children, based on their individual needs.

    Shakti Shalini will set up the ‘Response Mechanisms’ programme, which will provide support in the form of crisis intervention, counselling, legal aid, mental and physical healthcare, shelter, skills development, artistic opportunities, educational and economic opportunities, housing aid, rehabilitation or reintegration, and follow-up.

    Swati Jain, Marketing Director of Avon says, “We want to assure every woman in India that she may be isolated but not alone during these unprecedented times. AVON, being a socially responsible women-led company, has always been committed to condemning and acting out against any act of violence against women and girls. With the #IsolatedNotAlone campaign, we firmly stand with women who are facing domestic violence during the lockdown and are making sure that we take the necessary measures to create awareness and support victims. We look forward to this collaboration with AVON Foundation For Women and our NGO partners and hope that, with their reach and our expertise, we can contribute to reducing cases of domestic violence in India.”

    #IsolatedNotAlone is a 360-degree campaign via which AVON will undertake several initiatives on its digital platforms and partner with non-profit organizations that work towards the rescue, protection, and rehabilitation of domestic abuse victims. The campaign focusses on raising awareness on the issue, signposting where to go for help, how to identify and support those at risk, and calling on governments to support the provision of life-saving services.

    In addition to the Avon Foundation’s grant and in partnership with sister brands Aesop, The Body Shop and Natura, Avon is calling on governments around the world to keep domestic violence front of mind and expand funding and resources to cope with increasing violence. The companies are leveraging their combined global reach to 200 million consumers in 110 countries to ask people to support the campaign.

    Globally, Avon’s 5 million representatives will continue to provide vital assistance for women and children who are experiencing abuse; embedding helpline and support information into catalogues, signposting where to get help, and donating vital personal hygiene and beauty products to refuges. The Avon Foundation’s $1 Million USD in funding will support women around the world and is aligned with AVON’s campaign to help tackle the crisis of domestic violence.

  • AVON ties-up with Ace Fashion Designer, Colleges and Malls for ‘Take A #BreastBreak’ campaign

    AVON ties-up with Ace Fashion Designer, Colleges and Malls for ‘Take A #BreastBreak’ campaign

    MUMBAI – AVON, the global beauty brand that has always stood for women continues its crusade to prevent and fight Breast Cancer with its campaign Take a #BreastBreak. AVON kick started the campaign in October by collaborating with India Runway Week to host an exclusive fashion show with designer Anupama Dayal with theme ‘Pink’ and a panel discussion with doctors and breast cancer survivors who spoke about the importance of conducting self-examinations, prevalence of breast cancer in India and the importance of early diagnosis.

    In continuation to the campaign, AVON tied up with colleges like Daulat Ram (Delhi University), and Vidya University (Meerut) where AVON representatives, along with an oncologist, spoke about the myths and facts on Breast Cancer. The brand also tied up with DLF Mall of India, DLF Promenade and DLF Cyberhub to  bring about greater awareness. #BreastBreak pledge booths were set up where AVON representatives urged people to take a pledge to go for self-examination and take one of their loved ones for a breast check-up. The outer mall lightings were turned pink for the campaign and flash mobs were enacted to further reinforce the message. 

    “Statistics show that in India out of every 2 women newly diagnosed with breast cancer, one dies 1. We have been running the breast cancer awareness drive for three consecutive years now and our intention has not only been raising awareness but also equipping women with the knowledge of self-breast examination.  All our endeavors with our current campaign are directed towards educating people about breast cancer and how dangerous it can be if not detected early,” said AVON India  Marketing Director Swati Jain.

    According to an AVON survey conducted in 2017, women often spend little time on their own preventative health, while traditional gender norms expect them to care of and prioritize the needs of family members, often, at the expense of their own health. Hence, AVON has launched the campaign and has activated its 5 million rep, equipping them with information and advice to ensure that they encourage women around the world to take a ‘Breast Break’.

    The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, which launched in 1992, has placed Avon and the Avon Foundation at the forefront of the fight against breast cancer. The second edition of AVON’s Pay Attention campaign, last year, travelled across 10 Indian cities teaching women to act well in time reaching millions of people.

  • AVON continues it’s crusade to prevent and fight Breast Cancer with the launch of Take A #BreastBreak’ campaign

    AVON continues it’s crusade to prevent and fight Breast Cancer with the launch of Take A #BreastBreak’ campaign

    MUMBAI: Women’s beauty brand AVON continues its crusade to prevent and fight Breast Cancer with the launch of Take A #BreastBreak’ campaign for Indian women as well as their families. A global initiative by AVON, Take A #BreastBreak is to help support early detection of breast cancer around the world. To spread its campaign across a larger number of people in India, AVON has collaborated with the India Runway Week to host an exclusive fashion show with designer Anupama Dayal with the ‘Pink’ theme — which has today come to represent breast cancer awareness.

    There were 2 million new cases of breast cancer reported globally last year1 and the Indian Council for Medical Research reports 1.5 lakh new breast cancer cases in India, of which 70,000 succumb every year2. According to a AVON survey conducted in 2017, women often spend little time on their own preventative health, and traditional gender norms expect women to care and prioritize the needs of family members often at the expense of their own health. Hence, AVON has launched the campaign and has activated its 5 million rep, equipping them with information and advice to ensure they are encouraging women around the world to take a ‘Breast Break’. This includes opening dialogue about regular self-checks, being aware of any changes in breast appearance, or making time to speak with a medical professional.

    According to the World Health Organisation early detection is the most important component of breast cancer control3. Most doctors also believe mammography to be the best way for detecting breast cancer at its nascent stage but is not widely adopted in India4. With this campaign, AVON India aims to raise awareness about the prevalence of breast cancer among Indian women urging them to self- examine, detect the problem and come forward well in time.

    “AVON is at the forefront in the fight against breast cancer for 27 years now, with AVON India being globally recognised for its dedication towards making breast cancer awareness central to our mission. An early awareness and detection of the disease is half the battle won and our continued approach this year is to initiate a nation-wide drive to educate people on self-examination and break some myths about breast cancer,” said Dronacharya Chakraborty, Managing Director, AVON India.

    At the India Runway Week, all attendees at the fashion week will be given a pink lipstick and asked to change their lip colour to show their support to the campaign. AVON will also conduct a panel discussion with breast-cancer survivors who will speak about the importance of conducting self-examinations, the prevalence of breast cancer in India and the importance of early diagnosis. Further, the brand will also host an on-the-ground event and engage with different bloggers.

    “Statistics show that for every 2 women newly diagnosed with breast cancer, one woman dies of it in India5. We have been running the breast cancer awareness drive for three consecutive years now and our intention has not only been raising awareness but also equipping women with the knowledge of self-breast examination.  Our previous campaign – Pay Attention created a huge buzz and AVON India reached 1.09 billion people through offline activities. We continue our endeavors with our current campaign where educating people about breast cancer and how dangerous it can be if not detected early forms the crux. We are set to drive this for massive social impact beginning with the fashion show and hope to make some noise and create awareness about breast cancer,” said Swati Jain, Marketing Director, AVON India.

    The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, which launched in 1992, has placed Avon and the Avon Foundation at the forefront of the fight against breast cancer. The second edition of AVON’s Pay Attention campaign last year travelled across10 Indian cities teaching women to act well in time reaching millions of people.

  • Avon India announces the launch of AVON Lingerie Wear in India

    Avon India announces the launch of AVON Lingerie Wear in India

    MUMBAI: AVON, the leading direct selling beauty brand enters the realm of fashion with the announcement of AVON Lingerie in India, available from September 2019. With 30 years of innerwear heritage, and as an established lingerie player in the Asia Pacific the region, AVON’s Indian lineup is powered with Invisilite Technology that offers soft, stretchable and seamless products for the ultimate comfort. The AVON Lingerie will have two ranges Body Illusion and Shapemakers Plus promising to deliver the Brand’s standards of superior comfort and fit for all sizes, especially for Asian body types, with fine quality fabrics from across the world.

    “Over the years AVON has become a trusted beauty brand in India. Delivering the best products to the consumers in the beauty category, we are delighted to extend our domain and launch lingerie wear in India. The range focuses on technology that makes innerwear feel like a second skin with superior comfort. This will help our brand to stand out in the Indian market and cater to the growing needs of the consumers who are looking for functionality in high fashion lingerie,” said Swati Jain, Marketing Director, AVON India

    AVON Lingerie will be focusing on international trends, in terms of exclusive design, color and silhouettes.

    The Body Illusion range is a premium brand for AVON that is high on fashion and technology offering a seamless fit for women, with 5 key innovation call-outs: Seamless, Ultra-Stretchable, Breathable, Light & Ultra-Soft. It is armed with a wide variety of silhouettes and sizes to cater to different consumer needs – bras available in sizes from 32A to 40B. The smooth and high stretch fabric makes it an ideal choice for office going women. The range is powered by Invisilite technology for freedom of movement and a buttery soft feel which is exceptionally comfortable, along with a seamless finish that practically renders the innerwear invisible even under skin-tight clothes. The Invisilite fabric fits like a second-skin that provides a sleek silhouette with any outfit.

    Avon Shapemakers Plus is the intimate apparel brand created for full-figured women who seek fashion and function, extra support or shape definition in their underwear. The sizes range across a broad spectrum, with 8 sizes from 34B and going up to 42D. The range ensures that the fabrics and materials are carefully chosen to be able to cater for these extra functions without compromising on comfort and fit. The product portfolio also includes Back Smoothing Bra with a broad back and side flaps, and Lifting Bra in Lace with a broader U-shaped back for better support.  

    According to market analysis by Technopak, the current market size of the intimate wear market is Rs 27,931 crore which is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 10% over the next decade. AVON has shown its presence in more than 50 countries and is a leading brand in the Philippines. Now, India has become the next big lingerie destination for the brand. Avon Body Illusion and Shapemakers Plus range will be available across India through AVON Beauty Representatives starting at Rs 699 and Rs 1299 respectively.

  • iProspect India gets Divya Ajitkumar as AVP Client Servicing

    iProspect India gets Divya Ajitkumar as AVP Client Servicing

    MUMBAI:iProspect India, the digital performance agency from Dentsu Aegis Network, today announced the appointment of Divya Ajitkumar as Associate Vice President – Client Services. Divya, a digital marketing veteran, comes with a decade-long work experience. She will strategically complement iProspect’s aggressive growth plans as she takes on the lead responsibility of servicing the company’s clients in the Indian market.

    iProspect India CEO Vivek Bhargava said, “We gladly welcome Divya to the iProspect team, especially at a crucial juncture wherein we look at accelerating the company’s growth. We are positive that Divya’s unique experience and global exposure will help us explore new digital marketing avenues in an efficient manner, such that it benefits the brand and the company alike. We look forward to expanding our business revenues and bagging more awards in the coming year.”

    Commenting on her appointment, Divya Ajitkumar, Associate Vice President – Client Services said, “I’m thrilled to be a part of the energetic iProspect team and one of the leading digital performance agencies in the country today. Client servicing as a profile is extremely close to my heart and I believe my experience will help contribute to the company’s efforts. I’m positive there’s a lot of great work coming up. The Indian market is not an easy one, but I’m up for the challenge and keen to embrace everything it has to offer!”

    Divya started her career in digital media in New York and further utilized her curiosity and zeal to succeed in exploring the vast world of digital media. Working across different geographies and verticals throughout her career, her fortes include campaign management, activation, consulting and strategy. Having experienced different work cultures and ethics across the USA and Europe, Divya understands different market segments and has in-depth knowledge in strategizing and pitching. She has shouldered several roles at the Starcom Mediavest Group and worked closely with several top brands including Samsung, Coca-Cola, Walmart, Europcar, Flybe, Aer Lingus, Avon, Honda, CineWorld and RIM.

  • iProspect India gets Divya Ajitkumar as AVP Client Servicing

    iProspect India gets Divya Ajitkumar as AVP Client Servicing

    MUMBAI:iProspect India, the digital performance agency from Dentsu Aegis Network, today announced the appointment of Divya Ajitkumar as Associate Vice President – Client Services. Divya, a digital marketing veteran, comes with a decade-long work experience. She will strategically complement iProspect’s aggressive growth plans as she takes on the lead responsibility of servicing the company’s clients in the Indian market.

    iProspect India CEO Vivek Bhargava said, “We gladly welcome Divya to the iProspect team, especially at a crucial juncture wherein we look at accelerating the company’s growth. We are positive that Divya’s unique experience and global exposure will help us explore new digital marketing avenues in an efficient manner, such that it benefits the brand and the company alike. We look forward to expanding our business revenues and bagging more awards in the coming year.”

    Commenting on her appointment, Divya Ajitkumar, Associate Vice President – Client Services said, “I’m thrilled to be a part of the energetic iProspect team and one of the leading digital performance agencies in the country today. Client servicing as a profile is extremely close to my heart and I believe my experience will help contribute to the company’s efforts. I’m positive there’s a lot of great work coming up. The Indian market is not an easy one, but I’m up for the challenge and keen to embrace everything it has to offer!”

    Divya started her career in digital media in New York and further utilized her curiosity and zeal to succeed in exploring the vast world of digital media. Working across different geographies and verticals throughout her career, her fortes include campaign management, activation, consulting and strategy. Having experienced different work cultures and ethics across the USA and Europe, Divya understands different market segments and has in-depth knowledge in strategizing and pitching. She has shouldered several roles at the Starcom Mediavest Group and worked closely with several top brands including Samsung, Coca-Cola, Walmart, Europcar, Flybe, Aer Lingus, Avon, Honda, CineWorld and RIM.

  • Megan Fox to endorse Avon Instinct fragrance

    Megan Fox to endorse Avon Instinct fragrance

    She is pregnant but still her brand value doesn’t seem to cease. The sultry and hot Megan Fox will serve as the face of Avon Instinct fragrance. The brand believes that Fox is an iconic beauty and has a smoldering presence on screen and off. She is the perfect fit for the intensely exotic new scents – lush, fruity floral for her.

     

    Evoking the intoxicating feeling of losing inhibitions and indulging desire, Instinct is an ode to the kind of sensuality that Fox embodies. The seductive fragrances unleash primal instincts, empowering you to embrace the powerful force of desire.

     

    In a release, Fox said, “When Avon approached me to be the face of Instinct, I was thrilled about the opportunity to represent these fragrances. I’m so excited to be a part of this brand I’ve always loved and respected.”
     

  • Now, enjoy a ‘Chhota Bheem’ cycle ride

    Now, enjoy a ‘Chhota Bheem’ cycle ride

    MUMBAI: Riding high on the popularity of its much-appreciated show, Chhota Bheem, Green Gold in association with Avon Cycles has introduced six different models of children’s bicycles in sizes varying from 12 X 1.75 to 20 X 1.75.

    The cycles have been designed to attract its young patrons and are targeted at the age group of three to ten. Priced in the Rs 4000 to Rs 5000 band, the cycles will come in different colours and will be available in Chhota Bheem designs.

    “The new range of cycles will also include Mighty Raju, Chutki, Kalia and Dholu-Bholu series. Lately, we have been witnessing a huge rise in the popularity of these characters as well,” said Green Gold vice president – sourcing & licensing Madhav Prabhala.

    “We, at Green Gold, are constantly inventing new ways to bring Chhota Bheem and his friends closer to his young fans. Cycles are one of the key products that kids and parents have been asking us for a long time. We are thankful to Avon Cycles for fulfilling this dream. We see great synergy between the two brands and I think this association has come at a time when both Green Gold and Avon are at the cusp of exponential growth in strength and reach of their respective brands. This association will take us to another level,” Prabhala added.

    Talking about the association, Green Gold executive director Samir Jain, said: “We are very excited with this association. The union of Avon Cycles, having state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and Chhota Bheem, India’s most loved kids’ character would bring smiles to thousands of children. The objective of value for money with the best quality and designs would be achieved with this association.”

    With a viewership of over 40 million children, Chhota Bheem is by far the biggest ‘toon icon’ in India. Chhota Bheem and Mighty Raju merchandises that include several products have been witnessing a huge rise in demand. In fact, the company in the past six months has introduced a number of new lines of merchandises.

    “The growth in the past couple of years has been phenomenal. When we opened the first store in Hyderabad two years back, not more than 20 products were available for sale. Today, our product spread is more than 200 and includes everything from apparels to accessories, toys, puzzles, board games, bed and bath furnishings and even room decor. Launching Chhota Bheem range of bicycles seemed an obvious extension to cater to the young fans,” he added.