Amway President Makes Flying Visit To New Zealand

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Global leader makes flying visit to New Zealand

As the world reels from a global economic crisis resulting from questionable businesses decisions and structures, at least one international company is going from strength to strength – based on strong ethics and a “family first” focus.

Amway, one of the world’s largest direct-selling companies, is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and its president, Doug DeVos is visiting New Zealand as part of the company’s celebration of the milestone.

Amway has come a long way from its humble beginnings. Established in 1959 in Michigan by life-long friends and business partners Rich DeVos and Jay Van Andel, the company’s first year sales equivalent to NZ$831,400 were based on a single household cleaner. Still privately owned today, Amway is run by the founders’ sons. Doug DeVos, youngest son of Rich DeVos, has been Amway president since 2002, while Steve Van Andel, the oldest son of Jay Van Andel, succeeded his father as chairman in 1995.

Today, Amway is present in some 80 counties and territories and sells more than 450 products primarily focused on health, wellness and beauty as well as home care. Its flagship brands Nutrilite (vitamin and food supplements) and Artistry (skin care products and cosmetics) account for more than 60 percent of worldwide sales. In 2007 its global sales topped $7.1 billion and the company predicts another $1 billion increase this year. Its fastest growing markets have been Ukraine, India, Russia and China and a number of other markets have recorded double digit increases.

While the company’s global growth has been impressive, New Zealand/Australia sales have been stable but flat, with New Zealand turnover standing at $20 million a year.

“Australia and New Zealand are very important markets for us,” says Amway president, Doug DeVos. “We are taking a hard look at what we can do now to get all markets up and moving again. We are determined to reach a wider audience, specifically generation X and Y, and share with them the sense of achievement from growing their own business and reaping the rewards while teaching them business and selling skills. We are challenging ourselves to be more innovative, creative and responsive to the needs of the consumers, including the Gen Y and Xers and to gain ground in today’s competitive environment.”

Logo from Amway

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