Veteran Clairol, Avon and LPGA executive selected for leadership position
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., March 10, 2010 – Bill Susetka, the former President of Clairol’s U.S. Retail Division and President of Global Marketing at Avon Products, has been selected by his fellow LPGA Board members to serve as Chairman of the Board this year. Susetka brings more than 30 years of business leadership along with pertinent Board and LPGA experience to the position, most recently serving as LPGA Chief Marketing Officer from 2007-2009.
“Bill’s deep knowledge and passion for the LPGA-and even more specifically our tournament partners, players, Teaching & Club Professional members and staff-make him a perfect fit,” said LPGA Commissioner Michael Whan. “Bill also will be an ideal LPGA Board Chairman given his successful track record with leading corporations Clairol and Avon. I look forward to working closely with Bill and the rest of the LPGA Board as the LPGA embarks on its 60th year.”
“I am extremely proud and excited about my recent appointment,” said Susetka. “I am a strong believer that the LPGA has great opportunities and I am pleased to be able to work with my fellow board members and Mike Whan, our newly named commissioner, to grow this great brand. Mike has already made a tremendous impact in a very short time, and I know that under his leadership the LPGA is destined for great things.”
For more than 25 years, Susetka worked at Clairol Inc. There he held several executive-level positions including President, Clairol U.S. Retail from 1999-2001, when he was responsible for $1 billion in sales. In this role, he also had worldwide oversight of Research and Development and Operations. Prior to overseeing the U.S. market, he was President of Clairol International, where he was responsible for all markets outside of the United States. He led the international expansion of the Herbal Essences Hair Care line, which grew to become the largest brand franchise in Clairol history.
After Clairol, Susetka served as President, Global Marketing for Avon Products from 2002-2005. He led worldwide marketing, advertising and R&D, and served on Avon’s Executive Committee. During his time there, Susetka grew beauty sales double digits each year. He came out of retirement in 2007 to serve as Chief Marketing Officer for the LPGA, where he led the re-design and launch of the LPGA’s new logo and brand. He was responsible for all LPGA marketing functions including partnership services, tournament marketing, brand marketing, digital media, creative services, and licensing and merchandising.
Susetka currently serves on the Board of Directors of Helen of Troy Limited, a consumer products company publicly traded on NASDAQ (HELE). He was a Board member of the Westchester Hills Golf Club from 2004-2006, and served as Club President in 2006. He also served on the Board of the Executive Women’s Golf Association (EWGA) from 2007-2009. Other Board positions held by Susetka include the Avon Foundation and CTFA (Cosmetics, Toiletry and Fragrance Association).
Susetka received an MBA from Columbia University in 1990 and a Bachelor of Science degree from Renssalaer Polytechnic Institute in 1975.
The 2010 LPGA Board of Directors consists of Player Directors Michelle Ellis (President); Sherri Steinhauer (Vice President); Helen Alfredsson; Katie Futcher; Kim Hall; Pat Hurst; and Stacy Prammanasudh. The LPGA independent Board members are Leslie Greis, founder, CEO and managing member of Perennial Capital Advisors, LLC; Dawn Hudson, former President and Chief Executive Officer, Pepsi-Cola North America, Pepsico, Inc.; and Tony Ponturo, CEO of Ponturo Management Group and former top executive at Anheuser-Busch.
About the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association)
The LPGA is the world’s leading professional golf organization for women. Founded in 1950, the association celebrates a diverse and storied membership with more than 1,700 members representing 28 different countries. With a Vision to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing the very best of women’s golf, LPGA Tour Professionals compete across the globe, while dedicated LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP) directly impact the game through teaching, coaching and management. The Duramed FUTURES Tour serves as the official developmental tour of the LPGA, consistently producing a pipeline of talent ready for the world stage. The LPGA is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida. Follow the LPGA on its exclusive cable home, Golf Channel, and on the web via: www.LPGA.com, www.facebook.com/lpga.official, www.twitter.com/lpga, and www.youtube.com/lpgavideo.
Contact:
David Higdon
LPGA Chief Communications Officer
david.higdon@lpga.com
+1 386/843-0073
