Avon has appointed James Thompson as SVP, General Counsel and Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer.
Thompson previously worked at fruit company Chiquita Brands International for nine years. Most recently, he was the Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary for the firm.
His new role is effective from 1 August and he will succeed Jeff Benjamin who will be retiring from Avon.
The colour cosmetics brand noted that Thompson is particularly skilled at handling a range of highly complex operational, governance, regulatory and transactional matters on a global scale.
Thompson will report directly to Avon’s CEO Sheri McCoy and will be based at the company’s head office in London.
She said: "I am pleased to welcome James to Avon. He is a seasoned and highly talented General Counsel, with broad international experience across many industries.
“As a member of the Avon executive team, James will play an important role as we drive sustainable profitable growth."
The appointment comes as Avon announced it is on track to achieve its target of $230m in cost savings by the end of 2017.
The company made cost savings of roughly $120m in 2016 as part of its three-year Transformation Plan, which it announced in January that year. Debt was reduced by around $260m.
Avon also announced a ‘landmark moment’ in April as the brand is set to become the first ever female brand to sponsor an FA Women’s Super League football club.
The partnership with Liverpool Ladies Football Club was described as heralding a new dawn in women’s football as Avon becomes the team’s first independent shirt sponsor to that of its male counterpart.