GREENWICH, Conn., Jan. 4, 2012 -- Blyth, Inc., a leading direct selling and direct marketing company focused on home fragrance, home decor and products that support healthy living, today announced that Robert B. Goergen, Jr. has been appointed President, Direct Selling Group and President, PartyLite Worldwide. Mr. Goergen, Jr. succeeds Anne M. Butler. Mr. Goergen, Jr. has been president of the Company's multi-channel group since 2007. He leads business development and corporate technology initiatives for Blyth and is a member of the Office of the Chairman. Mr. Goergen, Jr. joined Blyth in 2000 as Director, Internet Strategy and E-Business Initiatives Group. Prior to joining Blyth, Mr. Goergen, Jr. served as Account & New Media Director for McCann-Erickson where he managed E-commerce development and Internet marketing efforts for consumer products and services accounts. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Richmond and a master's in business administration from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Ms. Butler joined PartyLite in 1999 as President, PartyLite Europe and became President, PartyLite International, in 2003. She played a key leadership role during years of rapid international expansion for PartyLite, opening 6 new PartyLite markets in Europe, Mexico and Australia and positioning PartyLite as a global party plan competitor.
"Anne brought a wealth of direct selling executive experience to PartyLite, having worked in the United States and abroad for more than 25 years at leading direct selling companies," said Robert B. Goergen, Blyth's Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. "She has been a key partner to me and Blyth's Office of the Chairman for the past four years. I am proud of Anne's accomplishments and support her desire to transition to additional entrepreneurial activities and the next phase of her life."
Mr. Goergen continued, "During the last two years, Rob has played an active role in overseeing new Blyth investments in PartyLite in addition to his responsibilities for the Multi-Channel Group. He has worked closely with PartyLite management teams in North America and Europe. This is an exciting time for PartyLite Worldwide."
Mr. Goergen, Sr. will assume direct responsibility for the Multi-Channel Group during Mr. Goergen, Jr.'s tenure at PartyLite.
