Bangkok--Oct 15--Spark Communications
- New CMO Position Added as Company Ramps Up For Major Brand Reinvigoration And Sales Expansion Program -
Herbalife International, Inc. today announced the appointment of Matthew Wisk as Chief Marketing Officer. In this newly created position, Wisk will have overall responsibility for worldwide marketing and branding, as well as marketing programs for the company's one million independent distributors who conduct business in 58 countries around the world.
He will report to Michael O. Johnson, Herbalife's chief executive officer.
Wisk, a fifteen-year telecommunications and wireless services marketing veteran, was most recently Vice President of Marketing for Nokia Mobile Phones for North and South America. He joined the company in 1994 and brought a number of innovations to the industry including sports marketing (Nokia Sugar Bowl), youth marketing, associations with the fashion industry, use of celebrity spokespeople and innovative channel marketing programs. Under his leadership, Nokia not only became a household name but also the most considered and preferred brand in the U.S.
In 2000, Wisk relocated to London to assume responsibility for the global marketing for a $7 billion division of Nokia, driving the activities of hundreds of marketing and sales support professionals. He helped more than double the third generation market share in just two years, before returning to the U.S. to lead marketing for North and South America. During his career with Nokia, Wisk was instrumental in securing deals with ABC, College Football, Supermodel Niki Taylor, and the Emmys . He is credited with playing a key role in building Nokia into a global leader in the telecommunications industry.
Prior to Nokia, Wisk led the marketing for NEC's fax business. Within his first year at NEC, he was given additional responsibilities in marketing NEC cellular and paging products. With his help, NEC reached its all-time highest level of market share for cellular and paging business in the U.S. Wisk gained his MBA from Michigan State University and began his career with GTE on an executive development program, where his efforts included starting the mobile communications business in Los Angeles, CA in the mid 1980s.
Wisk has extensive experience in international business and marketing, having traveled in 30 countries and managed staff and marketing programs in Europe, Asia, Pac Rim and South America as well as participating in international executive development programs in China, Japan and Finland.
"Matt's success in building a brand into a household name is unrivaled," said Michael O. Johnson, Herbalife's chief executive officer. "He has demonstrated that he can take products from the portfolio and create them as icons within the industry. This will enable our distributors to attract new people into their organization and significantly grow their businesses."
"Matt's outstanding reputation and experience will ensure that we now have the competencies and commitment to turn Herbalife into one of the most powerful global brands today."
"Herbalife is in an ideal position to leverage its significant product portfolio and vast distribution network around the world to create an industry leading brand," said Matt Wisk, chief marketing officer. "There is an outstanding opportunity to expand the ways in which Herbalife continues to enhance millions of lives and at the same time, re-shape an entire industry."
Wisk was named in the 'Top Marketers of 1999' by Ad Age magazine, and in October 2000, BRANDWEEK's "Grand Marketer of the Year." In 2002, Wisk was named a Henry Crown Fellow. The Crown Fellow program (part of the Aspen Institute in Washington DC) focuses on shaping future leaders in society that are committed to improving the communities in which we live.
Wisk is the latest Herbalife hire brought in as part of new chief executive officer Michael O. Johnson's team to reinvigorate the brand around the world. Previous hires include Henry Burdick as vice-chairman, who for the past 35 years has been an innovator in the wellness industry for such companies as Pharmavite, Crystal Geyser Water and Pharmanex. Also new is Randy Brogna, vice president of event management and communications who set new standards in live entertainment.
For 23 years, Herbalife has been a major player in the nutrition and wellness industry with product offerings encompassing vitamins, supplements, drinks and nutrition bars, as well as multiple products for skin care and hair care.
About Herbalife International
Herbalife is a leading company in science-based weight management and meal replacements. The Company offers a wide range of weight management products, nutritional supplements and personal care products intended to support weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. The Company's products are marketed through a network marketing system comprising approximately one million independent distributors who conduct business in 58 countries in the Asia/Pacific Rim, Europe and the Americas. In 2002, the Company had gross revenues of $1.8 billion. For more information, visit www.herbalife.com.
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