Devoted to women of color in business

Andrea Jung is the chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Avon Products, where she is responsible for all of the company's long-term growth strategies, for launching new brand initiatives, and for developing earnings opportunities for women worldwide.

Avon is a leading company for women's products and posts over $8 billion in annual revenue through 5 million sales reps in 100 countries around the world.

 "I have a love for this business," she says. "I have an enormous amount of passion for it... I love managing people. The product is second to managing the people. And marketing to consumers is so challenging because it is evolving constantly."

Jung was appointed CEO of Avon in 1999 and elected Chairman in 2001. She has been a member of the Board of Directors since January 1998, and from 1996 to 1998, she reached senior management through Avon’s product marketing group. Prior to Avon, she was with Neiman Marcus and I. Magnin.

Jung was graduated magna cum laude from Princeton University. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the General Electric Company. She is also a member of the New York Presbyterian Hospital Board of Trustees and the Catalyst Board of Directors.


On being a leader:  "I think there is a big and significant difference between being a leader and being a manager-- leaders lead from the heart. You have to be analytical and flexible. Flexibility is one of the key ingredients to being successful. If you feel like it's difficult to change, you will probably have a harder time succeeding."

Jung has two children and relaxes by playing piano.