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The Leader of the Future Award

The Leader of the Future Celebration (2007)

• Thoughts for the Evening
• Award Presentation

Leader of the Future Award Dinner
October 9, 2007 -- 6:00 PM TO 9:00 PM
Mutual of America Building, 320 Park Avenue, 35th Floor
By Frances Hesselbein

It was not a surprise that two days ago on Sunday, in New York, there was the Avon walk for breast cancer that began at Pier 84.  Just one more inspiring example of Avon’s commitment to corporate social responsibility.  $500 million dollars have been raised and awarded worldwide, with Avon’s current focus on the vital issues of breast cancer, domestic violence and emergency relief.  Or as Peter Drucker would phrase it – “the company accepting responsibility for the whole community.”

Andrea Jung was appointed CEO in 1999 and elected Chairman in 2001.  Prior to her current role, Ms. Jung was President and Chief Operating Officer, with full P & L responsibility for Avon’s business units worldwide.  Before joining Avon, Ms. Jung was Executive Vice President at Neiman Marcus from 1991 to 1993.  Prior to that, she was Senior Vice President, General Merchandising Manager, at I. Magnin from 1987 to 1991.  She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the General Electric Company and is a member of the New York Presbyterian Hospital Board of Trustees and the Catalyst Board of Directors.

In 2005, Ms. Jung was ranked #5 on Fortune magazine’s “50 Most Powerful Women in Business” list and has been on that list since its inception.  Also in 2005, the Wall Street Journal ranked Ms. Jung #3 on its “50 Women to Watch in Business” list.  In late 2004, she was named on of “10 Prominent People to Watch in 2005” by Newsweek magazine.  In January 2003, she was featured in BusinessWeek as one of the “Best Managers of the Year.”  Ms. Jung is a magna cum laude graduate of Princeton University and is fluent in Chinese (Mandarin).

The mission and values come first with Andrea Jung  - whether the mission of the Avon Foundation, “to improve the lives of women globally,” or of the values of the great corporation – Avon products:  “trust, respect, belief, integrity.” Because Andrea is faithful to the mission, lives these values with her people, the result is an inspired, motivated, productive work force within “the best place to work,” as Avon is widely recognized.

The great and principled leader we honor this evening is recognized for her philanthropy, her spirited, inspired leadership with Avon, her leadership within the corporate world, and in that world beyond the walls.  Andrea Jung – global leader.