Blyth Founder / CEO Stepping Down

 

Blyth founder Robert Goergen is stepping down from the company's CEO post, which will be filled by his son.

Blyth Inc., which sells candles, home accessories and weight-loss products through home parties and other means, named Robert Goergen Jr. as its new CEO. He will continue to serve as president of PartyLite Worldwide and oversee Silver Star Brands, Blyth's catalog and online retailer. He will join Blyth's board and will still serve as a ViSalus director.

Goergen Jr. has worked at Blyth Inc. since 2000. He's served as its president and chief operating officer for the last year.

Goergen Sr. will remain Blyth's executive chairman and chairman of ViSalus, which oversees Blyth's health and wellness division.

On Friday Greenwich, Conn.-based Blyth turned down an unsolicited takeover offer from CVSL Inc., which said it plans to amplify its offer in due time. CVSL did not provide further details on how its bid might be modified.

Shares of Blyth added 28 cents, or 2.3 percent, to $12.28 in Monday premarket trading. The stock closed Friday at $12, down 23 percent since the start of the year.