New strategist for Avon

From 30 June, Gina R. Boswell wil fill the role of senior vice president, corporate strategy & business development at US company Avon Products.

In the newly created position, Ms. Boswell will have responsibility for helping to develop and implement Avon's growth strategies, and for planning both internal and external initiatives that complement Avon's core competencies in beauty marketing and direct selling.

Ms. Boswell comes to Avon from Ford Motor Company, where she has worked since 1999. In her last post there she lead the business strategy for Ford's global enterprise.

Prior to Ford, Ms. Boswell worked at The Estee Lauder companies, where from 1997 to 1999 she was vice president, new business development. In this capacity, she developed and implemented the company's acquisition strategy and completed major transactions such as Estee Lauder's purchase of Aveda and Jane. She also helped establish strategic marketing alliances with Donna Karan and other brand names. She joined Estee Lauder in 1993.

She will report to Andrea Jung, chairman and chief executive officer.