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April 29, 2005
New Quixtar Boss
By QBlog in Quixtar
Some Quixtar-run blogs are reporting that there's a new boss at Quixtar, replacing the "retiring" Ken McDonald. He's an Amway guy named Jim Payne. According to Amway.com Payne:
...serves as Executive Vice President and is responsible for Alticor direct selling markets in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, India and Latin America.
Alticor's direct-selling subsidiary in North America is Quixtar, Inc.; other affiliate markets are part of Amway Corporation.
Before being named to his current position in April 2005, Payne was Senior Vice President of Amway, responsible for numerous international affiliates. From 1999 through 2000, Payne served as President & Representative Director of Amway Japan Ltd., and still serves on the Board of Directors for that affiliate. Since 1980, his Alticor career has taken him around the world with progressively more responsible positions, including Director and then Vice President of New Market Development, in which he was responsible for expanding Amway markets worldwide. Payne also served as General Manager of Amway Germany, Regional Manager for the Poland and Switzerland affiliates, and Managing Director of Amway Thailand... (more)
REVISED WITH BETTER INFO - It looks like Alticor has eliminated Ken McDonald's old position (Quixtar Managing Director) and given the new Quixtar leader much more responsibility. The only thing he doesn't control is Asia (yes, I know India is in Asia but it is the subcontinent).
What could this significant change in leadership mean for the future of Quixtar? I don't know really but it seems that Alticor is attempting to give Quixtar a more global strategy. Or not. What do you think? Also, do you really think Ken McDonald wanted to retire?
Comments
And I thought Quixtar wasn't Amway......from the Amway website..."Alticor's direct-selling subsidiary in North America is Quixtar, Inc.; other affiliate markets are part of Amway Corporation."
I agree with Imran. People generally do not give only 2 weeks notice when planning retirement. Not in any career really.
I think old Kenny just wasn't what the Ada boys club wanted anymore.
I think he did a sucky job when it came to defending the critics as well. However, I don't think anyone could really defend it.
Ken didn't 'retire', that is obvious. He is 55! Besides, even when you do get to the age of 'slowing down', the executives that are still 'in tight' are still around (example: Bob Kerskstra). The executive bonus checks are just too good to 'retire' from.
Don't forget that last February/March John Parker jumped right over Ken McDonald into the very prime role of VP of Global Marketing (whatever the title is). SLAP! John Parker is the golden boy (for now).
Quixtar continues to have recruiting problems, and retention of IBOs is very low....Ken was the scapegoat. Unless he has undisclosed health problems and he really did walk away...but that would have been 'known' internally.
Duh! If Old McDonald wanted to retire it would be known for months. And all the 'leaders' 'lauding' him or 'endorsing' upcomming replacement.
Looks pretty drastic to me. And lookie the word 'retire'. Use of word 'resign' or 'fired' would look real bad. No?
Ken McDonald, I'm watching you. You get another job and it's published on bathroom wall of society. It's not that hard to watch. ;)
Posted by: Imran Aziz | April 30, 2005 5:55 AM