Tupperware Announces New CEO, Sees Stock Rise
Tupperware named the former CEO of Avon North America, OVME Aesthetics, and Spanx, Laurie Ann Goldman, as its new CEO earlier this week. CNBC reported shares of Tupperware closed 8 percent higher at $2.18 Tuesday following the announcement. In a statement, Tupperware board chair, Susan Cameron, called Goldman "a trusted and growth-oriented leader with extensive management experience in the consumer goods industry. Now is the right time to bring in new leadership, and Laurie Ann is exceptionally well-suited to advance our long-term strategy and accelerate growth."
Goldman takes the chief executive spot from Miguel Fernandez, who served as Tupperware's CEO for three years before being relieved of his duties by the Tupperware board on Monday. The Florida-based company also named three directors to its board Tuesday.
Total Retail's Take: The shakeup at the plastic food storage company comes at a time when it's struggling to stay afloat. Tupperware said in April there was "substantial doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going concern," adding at the time that it wouldn't have enough cash to fund its operations if it didn't secure additional money. Tupperware said it was exploring potential layoffs and reviewing its real estate portfolio.
Furthermore, Tupperware is also having to compete with a growing market of plastic-alternative food storage solutions such as the Stasher reusable silicone bags and biodegradable paper packaging. Goldman will have her work cut out for her, including very likely having to make some difficult decisions around workforce and real estate.
