About Herbalife
Everything started in California in the late 70s. Mark Hughes was just a teenager then, when his mother was struggling with weight and trying one diet after another. She was only 36 when she died. Due to the tragic loss of his mother to unsafe dieting processes, Mark made a promise to find a way to help people lose weight in a safe and healthy way. This dream led him to China, where he discovered the magic power of herbs. When he came back to the US he formed a team of scientists, and medical and nutritional experts to create Herbalife products. In 1980, Mark launched Herbalife. The first core product Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix was made, based on protein and herbs and enriched with vitamins. It was a revelation, indeed. His first weight loss programs Mark sold from the trunk of his car. As more and more people tried the products, and experienced positive results, the business expanded. Their friends used to ask them: “How did you do that?” By sharing success with other people passionate about the products and the business opportunity, a network of Distributors developed and soon (1982) Herbalife became an international weight-management company, with branches in Canada and many other countries.
Herbalife has not stopped expanding, and Mark Hughes’ dream – promoting healthy nutrition – is coming true with every single day. Today, Herbalife is one of the biggest companies based on direct sale. It is a global company with over 1,000,000 Distributors working in 70 countries. It offers high-quality products that combine the best of science and nature for a lifetime of good health, energy boosters, weight loss programs, weight management programs, as well as, skincare products.
Herbalife products are safe, healthy and highly effective. Award-winning scientists, distinguished doctors and renowned nutrition experts are the guiding force behind the products. A Nutrition Advisory Board (NAD) comprised of leading experts in the fields of nutrition and health was established. They help educate and train independent Distributors on the principles of nutrition, physical activity and healthy lifestyle. Many of NAD members give lectures and trainings throughout the world so that all Herbalife Distributors can be well-informed about the products.
Herbalife has not only achieved tremendous success in business, but also helps young people create conditions for a better life by means of Herbalife Family Foundation (HFF). Since 1994 HFF has been helping children from all over the world to overcome barriers and problems they encounter in their everyday life as well as other physical and mental disorders and addictions.
Herbalife Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is Michael O. Johnson. He controls all aspects of global contracts and operations. He is the voice of the company for all the Distributors, responsible for the vision, mission and strategies. It is him, who makes sure the company is in possession of essentials needed for realizing established goals.
Michael O. Johnson joined Herbalife in April 2003 and since then the company strengthened its position by establishing Nutrition Advisory Board, Scientific Advisory Board and funding Mark Hughes Cellular and Molecular Nutrition Laboratory.
Under his supervision, the company realizes strategies connected with introducing new ‘mega’ products each year. Some of these products are ShapeWorks Weight Loss Program (present on the Polish market since 2004), Multivitamin NouriFusion personal skincare products and LIFTOFF – the first energy increasing tablet.
Johnson recapitalized the company. In December 2004 he had his first session and introduced the company to New York Stock exchange (NYSE: HLF). Since 2002 EBITDA Herbalife improved and reached 139 mln dollars (previously 67 mln) as reported in 2004. At the same time Gross (face value) increased from 1.09 billion dollars to 1.3 billion dollars.
While working for 17 years in Disney Corporation, Johnson was in charge of Buena Vista Home Entertainment. There, he restructured video rental sector by using the model of profits division. Moreover, he developed global sale business by using Disney trademark, as well as, worked out the plan of company expansion by establishing branches in Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America and Middle East.
As CEO, Johnson created ‘Disney I’ subscribing service together with NTT DoCoMo in Japan providing services for over 3 million subscribers. Before performing duties in Disney Corporation, Johnson used to work as a publisher for the Audio Times magazine. He also worked as a Director of Sales and Marketing at Warner Amex Satellite Entertainment Company, working for MTV, Nickelodeon and The Movie Channel on the West coast.
After reorganization of Herbalife Family Foundation in 2005, Johnson was in the vanguard of an action fundraiser to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Herbalife. They managed to raise over 1 million dollars. Herbalife Family Foundation supports social and charity organizations helping children around the world. Additionally, the company strongly promotes physical activity by forming Herbalife Team and sponsoring sports events and sports teams/athletes.