William C. Looney Named CFO At PartyLite Worldwide

GREENWICH, Conn., Jan. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Blyth, Inc. (NYSE: BTH), a direct to consumer company and leading designer and marketer of health & wellness and beauty products and candles and accessories for the home sold through the direct selling and direct marketing channels, today announced that William C. Looney has been named Chief Financial Officer of PartyLite, its direct seller of candles and accessories for the home.  In his new role, Mr. Looney will direct PartyLite's essential support services in Supply Chain and Technology in addition to overseeing the finance leaders throughout the organization.

Robert B. Goergen, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of Blyth, Inc. and President of PartyLite Worldwide said, "Bill's direct selling experience and knowledge of PartyLite's overall business make him the obvious choice to fill an expanded role overseeing PartyLite's essential support services.  His demonstrated understanding of the critical success factors in both Supply Chain and Technology, combined with his strong track record as the lead financial executive at PartyLite Worldwide, will facilitate his continued effectiveness in the organization.  Moreover, expanding Bill's responsibilities enables me to retain my leadership position at PartyLite while focusing on my broader role as CEO of PartyLite's parent, Blyth."

Mr. Looney joined PartyLite in 2003 as Vice President, Worldwide Finance and, in September of 2008, was promoted to Senior Vice President, Worldwide Finance.  Prior to joining PartyLite, Mr. Looney, who holds an MBA from Boston University, was the U.S. Controller for Serono, Inc., a leading biopharmaceutical company based in Switzerland.  He also held a number of senior finance positions with The Gillette Company from 1990 to 2002, including both European-based and U.S.-based controllerships.

Commenting on his new role at PartyLite, Mr. Looney said, "I'm both pleased and eager to take on the responsibility for our essential support services in Supply Chain and Technology.  After over 40 years of delivering first class products, PartyLite knows how critically important our customer relationships are.  Achieving superior service levels, both externally and internally, with remain our #1 objective."

PartyLite is the world's #1 party plan company selling candles, candle holders, flameless fragrance and wax warmers, as well as holiday and home decor - all available in 21 countries through nearly 45,000 independent PartyLite entrepreneurs. PartyLite ranks #31 in the Direct Selling News 2012 "Global 100 top revenue-generating direct selling companies." Based in Plymouth and a member of the Direct Selling Association, PartyLite can be found in Australia, Canada and Mexico and throughout Europe. In 2013, PartyLite is celebrating 40 years as the global leader in its category and 23 years as a member of the Blyth family of companies (NYSE:BTH). For more information, please visit www.PartyLite.com.

Blyth, Inc., headquartered in Greenwich, CT, USA, is a direct to consumer business focused on the direct selling and direct marketing channels.  It designs and markets health and wellness products, candles and accessories for the home through the direct selling channel, utilizing both the network marketing and home party plan methods. The Company also designs and markets household convenience items and personalized gifts through the catalog/Internet channel.  Its products are sold direct to the consumer under the ViSalus^®, PartyLite^® and Two Sisters Gourmet by PartyLite^® brands and to consumers in the catalog/Internet channel under the Miles Kimball®, Walter Drake®, Easy Comforts®, As We Change® and Exposures® brands. 

Blyth, Inc. may be found on the Internet at www.blyth.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are identifiable by words or phrases such as "anticipates," "intends," "expects," "believes" and "will," and similar words and phrases. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of factors that could cause actual results and/or the timing of events to differ materially from those set forth in this press release. Additional information about the risk factors to which we are exposed and other factors that may adversely affect these forward-looking statements is contained in our reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2013. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as predictions of future results. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect developments or information obtained after the date of this press release except as otherwise required by law.

SOURCE Blyth, Inc.