Dr. John Agwunobi Joins Herbalife As Chief Health And Nutrition Officer

Herbalife Ltd. has tapped a former U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) official, Dr. John Agwunobi, to serve as Chief Health and Nutrition Officer.

From 2005 to 2007, Agwunobi oversaw the nation’s disease prevention and health promotion programs as the department’s Assistant Secretary of Health. As such, he headed up the Centers for Disease Control, National Institutes of Health, and the Food and Drug Administration, among other HHS offices.

Agwunobi also brings extensive private sector experience, having served as Senior Vice President and President of Health and Wellness for Walmart in the U.S., providing insights on health reform, public health advocacy and employee wellness.

During his tenure at the retail giant, annual revenue increased from $25 billion to $30 billion. He also sits on the board of a number of nonprofit and for-profit enterprises, including the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) and Magellan Health Services.

“We are proud to welcome Dr. Agwunobi to our Herbalife nutrition team,” Chairman and CEO Michael O. Johnson said in a statement. “As we continue to invest in accomplished leaders, we further strengthen our mission of providing health and nutrition education and training to our members and their customers around the world.”

Herbalife’s nutrition philosophy and nutrition and product education will come within Agwunobi’s purview as Chief Health and Nutrition Officer. He will lead the Herbalife Nutrition Institute, Nutrition Advisory Board and Dietetic Advisory Board. Agwunobi also is tasked with working alongside the company’s 34 Ph.D.s and 250 staff scientists to integrate nutrition science and member training into the product development process.

About Herbalife

Herbalife is a global nutrition company that has been changing people's lives with great products since 1980. Our nutrition, weight-management, energy and fitness and personal care products are available exclusively to and through dedicated Independent Herbalife Members in more than 90 countries. We are committed to fighting the worldwide problems of poor nutrition and obesity by offering high-quality products, one-on-one coaching with an Herbalife member and a community that inspires customers to live a healthy, active life.

We support the Herbalife Family Foundation (HFF) and its Casa Herbalife programs to help bring good nutrition to children in need. We also sponsor more than 190 world-class athletes, teams and events around the globe, including Cristiano Ronaldo, the LA Galaxy and champions in many other sports.

The company has over 7,800 employees worldwide, and its shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange HLF, +0.30% with net sales of $5 billion in 2014.