James Zenni, President and CEO of Z Capital Partners, said: "Robert is a proven leader who brings to Neways more than 20 years of executive and management experience in the direct-sales industry. Robert has established a demonstrated track record of successfully leading teams in multiple global markets and in different stages of business cycles, including inception, turnaround, and growth. We are confident that under his leadership, Neways will continue to successfully execute on its strategy of growth through creating substantial opportunity for distributors, expanding into new markets, and introducing innovative, exclusive new products."
Mark Gudis, Managing Director at S.A.C. Capital Advisors, L.P., said: "the Neways Board of Directors considered an extensive pool of world-class candidates across the direct-selling and consumer sectors, and Robert clearly stood out as the individual to take Neways to the next level. Robert is known for his strong leadership skills and ability to empower and motivate great talent. Nothing speaks more about Robert's belief in Neways' future and his willingness to commit than the fact that Robert requested, and the Board agreed, that he be permitted to join the Neways ownership team by making a significant financial investment in Neways alongside his leadership appointment."
Mr. Conlee said: "I am honored to serve Neways as CEO and Chairman of the Board. Neways just celebrated 25 years of creating Healthy Homes, and the company represents a tremendous growth opportunity. As a pioneer of the safe-product movement, Neways is improving people's lives around the world. I look forward to working with Neways distributors, the Board, and the management team to leverage our leadership position with safe, high-performance products and a compelling business opportunity. This company is on the move, and I'm excited to help lead the way."
About Robert S. Conlee Before joining Neways, Mr. Conlee served as the Chief Executive Officer and Board Member at Lehi, Utah-based Xango, LLC ("Xango"), positions he took in 2008.
Prior to Xango, Mr. Conlee was at Provo, Utah-based Nu Skin Enterprises ("Nu Skin") for 15 years, where he served in various leadership roles, including Executive Committee member, President--North Asia Region, President--Nu Skin Japan, and COO--Pharmanex Nutritional Division. In addition, he held an important executive position during Nu Skin's initial public offering.
Robert and Stephanie, his wife of 24 years, along with their four children, have lived and worked in several locations around the world, including Tokyo, Japan, for nearly nine years. The family currently resides in Utah.
Mr. Conlee has a bachelor's degree in Japanese from Brigham Young University and a master's degree in Business Administration from Temple University.