John Higson, Senior Vice President, Central and Eastern Europe, has full profit-and-loss responsibility for Avon’s operations in a vast region that encompasses Russia, the Baltic Counties and Finland, as well as Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and the Balkan countries.

Previously, Mr. Higson was Area Vice President, Central Eastern Europe and held the additional role of General Manager, Avon Poland. From mid-1999 to 2001, Mr. Higson was head of Global Sales Development, a role in which he coordinated the development of the Sales Leadership strategy for worldwide implementation.

From 1993 to 1999, Mr. Higson served as the first general manager of Avon Hungary, where he led Avon to achieve a Beauty Leadership position in that market. At the same time, he oversaw the opening of Avon’s businesses in Romania and Bulgaria.

Mr. Higson joined Avon U.K. in 1985 as a management associate. He went on to hold the positions of Division Manager, Sales Planner, and Regional Director before his appointment as General Manager, Avon Hungary in 1999.

Mr. Higson is a citizen of the U.K. and studied Economics and Public Policy at the University of Leeds.