Avon Signs Reese Witherspoon as First Ever Global Ambassador

    NEW YORK, Aug. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Avon Products, Inc. (
 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
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     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.
 
 

SOURCE Avon Products, Inc.