ViSalus Co-Founders
Ryan Blair
Co-Founder and CEO
Ryan Blair Co-Founded ViSalus Sciences in 2005 with partners Blake Mallen and Nick Sarnicola. Having overcome poverty and trying circumstances as a youth, Blair earned his first million by the age of 20, and by the age of 26 had sold a company for $25 million. He next brought his vision and leadership to ViSalus, guiding the company to its 2008 union with global direct selling leader Blyth Inc. (NYSE:BTH). Blair’s success story has earned him countless speaking appearances such as TED and the Economist, as well as features in The Financial Times, Forbes, Men’s Health, The Wall Street Journal, and Entrepreneur Magazine. In 2011, he released his first New York Times Bestseller – “Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain,” capturing his journey and inspiring others to follow their passion.
Co-Founder and CEO
Ryan Blair Co-Founded ViSalus Sciences in 2005 with partners Blake Mallen and Nick Sarnicola. Having overcome poverty and trying circumstances as a youth, Blair earned his first million by the age of 20, and by the age of 26 had sold a company for $25 million. He next brought his vision and leadership to ViSalus, guiding the company to its 2008 union with global direct selling leader Blyth Inc. (NYSE:BTH). Blair’s success story has earned him countless speaking appearances such as TED and the Economist, as well as features in The Financial Times, Forbes, Men’s Health, The Wall Street Journal, and Entrepreneur Magazine. In 2011, he released his first New York Times Bestseller – “Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain,” capturing his journey and inspiring others to follow their passion.
Blake Mallen
Co-Founder & Chief Marketing Officer
As Chief Marketing Officer, Blake Mallen brings over a decade of network marketing experience, and a record of academic achievement with degrees in both Psychology and Political Science from UCSD.
Having found early success in the Direct Sales Industry as a top producing Distributor, then later becoming a sought after Executive, and a company Co-Founder, Mallen has an unique 360* view of the industry and keeps a very close pulse on current trends.
As a next-generation thought leader, he excels at blending yesterday’s tried and true philosophies with the best ideas & innovations of today. Understanding all sides of the desk, Blake uses his perspective to serve as the constant bridge between “the field” and the company in his current role, championing the groundbreaking sales & marketing strategies that have propelled ViSalus into record breaking growth and the category leader it is today.
Co-Founder & Chief Marketing Officer
As Chief Marketing Officer, Blake Mallen brings over a decade of network marketing experience, and a record of academic achievement with degrees in both Psychology and Political Science from UCSD.
Having found early success in the Direct Sales Industry as a top producing Distributor, then later becoming a sought after Executive, and a company Co-Founder, Mallen has an unique 360* view of the industry and keeps a very close pulse on current trends.
As a next-generation thought leader, he excels at blending yesterday’s tried and true philosophies with the best ideas & innovations of today. Understanding all sides of the desk, Blake uses his perspective to serve as the constant bridge between “the field” and the company in his current role, championing the groundbreaking sales & marketing strategies that have propelled ViSalus into record breaking growth and the category leader it is today.
Nick Sarnicola
Co-Founder & Royal Ambassador
Nick Sarnicola Co-founded ViSalus in 2005 and served as the company’s Chief Sales Officer until January 2010. When ViSalus launched the Body by Vi Challenge, the opportunity to Promote the Challenge was too good for Sarnicola to pass up. Seeing the opportunity to prove the potential of what he saw as the perfect network marketing opportunity, Nick resigned as Chief Sales Officer and enrolled as a Body by Vi Challenge Promoter, moving up the ranks like anybody else new to the Challenge. With homes in places like South Beach and Grand Rapids, he travels North America supporting his team of passionate Challenge Promoters. He stars in “The Pyramid Thing,” a reality series about the Challenge, and is the author of “Arrive by 25: What Your Parents & Professors Don’t Know About Money.”
Co-Founder & Royal Ambassador
Nick Sarnicola Co-founded ViSalus in 2005 and served as the company’s Chief Sales Officer until January 2010. When ViSalus launched the Body by Vi Challenge, the opportunity to Promote the Challenge was too good for Sarnicola to pass up. Seeing the opportunity to prove the potential of what he saw as the perfect network marketing opportunity, Nick resigned as Chief Sales Officer and enrolled as a Body by Vi Challenge Promoter, moving up the ranks like anybody else new to the Challenge. With homes in places like South Beach and Grand Rapids, he travels North America supporting his team of passionate Challenge Promoters. He stars in “The Pyramid Thing,” a reality series about the Challenge, and is the author of “Arrive by 25: What Your Parents & Professors Don’t Know About Money.”
Executive Team
John Purdy
President & Chief Operations Officer
John Purdy joined ViSalus in 2010, bringing an extensive record of success with two of the most successful multi-billion dollar network marketing companies in the industry. Holding a variety of leadership roles at Herbalife for over 13 years, John was instrumental in maintaining the stability of existing markets as well as the launch and development of emerging markets internationally. Prior to his time with Herbalife, Purdy served in key management roles with Amway, where he began his career as a Network Marketing Executive. Purdy is committed to improving efficiencies across the board at ViSalus, and is focused on enhancing Customer and Promoter experiences at every level.
President & Chief Operations Officer
John Purdy joined ViSalus in 2010, bringing an extensive record of success with two of the most successful multi-billion dollar network marketing companies in the industry. Holding a variety of leadership roles at Herbalife for over 13 years, John was instrumental in maintaining the stability of existing markets as well as the launch and development of emerging markets internationally. Prior to his time with Herbalife, Purdy served in key management roles with Amway, where he began his career as a Network Marketing Executive. Purdy is committed to improving efficiencies across the board at ViSalus, and is focused on enhancing Customer and Promoter experiences at every level.
Janice Jackson
Chief Brand Officer
Janice Jackson joined ViSalus in October 2011 as Chief Brand Officer, bringing a wealth of experience in direct sales, marketing and building brand equity in the consumer packaged goods industry for over 20 years. As Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for JAFRA Cosmetics, Janice was directly responsible for worldwide marketing, R&D, and served on the management board. As Executive Director for AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals Janice developed a variety of innovative programs and initiatives to take advantage of new opportunities and helped develop business strategies and partnerships for the $11 billion company. And over a 10 year career at Alticor Inc. Janice held a variety of positions including Vice President, Global Brands where she was an instrumental part of a management team overseeing a $9.4 billion company active in 64 markets that manufactured and marketed a variety of consumer goods.
Chief Brand Officer
Janice Jackson joined ViSalus in October 2011 as Chief Brand Officer, bringing a wealth of experience in direct sales, marketing and building brand equity in the consumer packaged goods industry for over 20 years. As Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for JAFRA Cosmetics, Janice was directly responsible for worldwide marketing, R&D, and served on the management board. As Executive Director for AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals Janice developed a variety of innovative programs and initiatives to take advantage of new opportunities and helped develop business strategies and partnerships for the $11 billion company. And over a 10 year career at Alticor Inc. Janice held a variety of positions including Vice President, Global Brands where she was an instrumental part of a management team overseeing a $9.4 billion company active in 64 markets that manufactured and marketed a variety of consumer goods.
John Tolmie
Senior Vice President, Finance & Administration
John Tolmie brings a wealth of experience from having worked at the elite executive level for some of the biggest brands in North America. Tolmie adds a visionary approach to maximizing growth and profitability through a strong commercial focus. As the Vice President of North American Shared Services for Allied Domecq, Tolmie oversaw accounting functions for Allied’s $1 billion business in North America. Allied Domecq was a $4 billion international company in the Consumer Packaged Goods industry, boasting in addition to many household spirit brands such national franchises as Dunkin’ Donuts, Baskin Robbins, and Togo’s. Prior to this most recent role, Tolmie was the CFO for Allied’s wine business in North America. He led a number of acquisitions during his four years there that resulted in the wine division doubling its business to over $270 million.
Senior Vice President, Finance & Administration
John Tolmie brings a wealth of experience from having worked at the elite executive level for some of the biggest brands in North America. Tolmie adds a visionary approach to maximizing growth and profitability through a strong commercial focus. As the Vice President of North American Shared Services for Allied Domecq, Tolmie oversaw accounting functions for Allied’s $1 billion business in North America. Allied Domecq was a $4 billion international company in the Consumer Packaged Goods industry, boasting in addition to many household spirit brands such national franchises as Dunkin’ Donuts, Baskin Robbins, and Togo’s. Prior to this most recent role, Tolmie was the CFO for Allied’s wine business in North America. He led a number of acquisitions during his four years there that resulted in the wine division doubling its business to over $270 million.
Audrey Sommerfeld
Senior Vice President, Marketing
Audrey Sommerfeld heads up the ViSalus Sciences® product marketing efforts, ensuring the company has a competitive and compelling product line and the tools to generate exposure and sales. Sommerfeld brings to ViSalus™ the experiences of a successful career as a marketing executive with global leadership roles in some of the world’s most established companies. After a career in well-known companies, such as Proctor & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson and Neutrogena, Sommerfeld more recently served as the Vice President of Global Product Marketing for Herbalife International, a $2 billion corporation that spans 59 countries. At Herbalife, she was responsible for product development and launch strategy, working with global licensing, Research & Development, and regulatory teams, creating sales and marketing tools, and conducting product trainings before thousands of distributors.
Senior Vice President, Marketing
Audrey Sommerfeld heads up the ViSalus Sciences® product marketing efforts, ensuring the company has a competitive and compelling product line and the tools to generate exposure and sales. Sommerfeld brings to ViSalus™ the experiences of a successful career as a marketing executive with global leadership roles in some of the world’s most established companies. After a career in well-known companies, such as Proctor & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson and Neutrogena, Sommerfeld more recently served as the Vice President of Global Product Marketing for Herbalife International, a $2 billion corporation that spans 59 countries. At Herbalife, she was responsible for product development and launch strategy, working with global licensing, Research & Development, and regulatory teams, creating sales and marketing tools, and conducting product trainings before thousands of distributors.
Scientific Advisory Board
Dr. Michael D. Seidman
M.D.Scientific Advisory Board
Michael D. Seidman, M.D. attained both his B.S. in Human Nutrition and M.D. from the University of Michigan. After a five year residency in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, he completed a fellowship in Otologic / neurotologic and Skull Base Surgery at the Ear Research Foundation in Florida. Dr. Seidman now serves as the Director of the Division of Otologic / neurotologic Surgery in the Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, Director of Otolaryngology Research Laboratory, Co-Director of the Tinnitus Center, the Chair of the Complementary / Integrative Medicine Program for a multi-million dollar health center. He is also a past President of the Michigan Otolaryngology Society.
Additionally, he is an active scientist and has extramural funding from the National Institute of Health and other major institutions. He is considered an expert on the molecular basis of aging; noise induced hearing loss, otologic / neurotologic skull base surgery, all aspects of ear, nose, throat, head and neck surgery, tinnitus, nutrition/antioxidants and their relationship to health and aging, and herbal therapies. He lectures around the world on such topics; has been featured in more than 80 major publications; numerous awards including being honored as one of the top 1% of Doctors in the USA, and has been awarded a US patent on a supplement that positively effects age-related hearing loss and has several patents pending on aging, mitochondrial function, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Seidman is also a Co-Editor for the International Tinnitus Journal and is on the Editorial Review Board for seven major Otolaryngology Journals and the Journal for Traditional Chinese Medicine. Additionally he has been appointed to the Scientific or Medical Advisory Board of the Self Help for Hard of Hearing People Inc., the Life Extension Foundation, Intra Ear, the Ear Research Foundation, Arches Company, the American Tinnitus Association, Gel Tech, BASF (specifically on the work for SAMe) and WebMD (work related to anal sis of weight loss/nutrition software). He also serves as a consultant for many professional athletes, and is an advisor for several teams in the NHL, NFL MLB, and NBA.
M.D.Scientific Advisory Board
Michael D. Seidman, M.D. attained both his B.S. in Human Nutrition and M.D. from the University of Michigan. After a five year residency in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, he completed a fellowship in Otologic / neurotologic and Skull Base Surgery at the Ear Research Foundation in Florida. Dr. Seidman now serves as the Director of the Division of Otologic / neurotologic Surgery in the Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, Director of Otolaryngology Research Laboratory, Co-Director of the Tinnitus Center, the Chair of the Complementary / Integrative Medicine Program for a multi-million dollar health center. He is also a past President of the Michigan Otolaryngology Society.
Additionally, he is an active scientist and has extramural funding from the National Institute of Health and other major institutions. He is considered an expert on the molecular basis of aging; noise induced hearing loss, otologic / neurotologic skull base surgery, all aspects of ear, nose, throat, head and neck surgery, tinnitus, nutrition/antioxidants and their relationship to health and aging, and herbal therapies. He lectures around the world on such topics; has been featured in more than 80 major publications; numerous awards including being honored as one of the top 1% of Doctors in the USA, and has been awarded a US patent on a supplement that positively effects age-related hearing loss and has several patents pending on aging, mitochondrial function, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Seidman is also a Co-Editor for the International Tinnitus Journal and is on the Editorial Review Board for seven major Otolaryngology Journals and the Journal for Traditional Chinese Medicine. Additionally he has been appointed to the Scientific or Medical Advisory Board of the Self Help for Hard of Hearing People Inc., the Life Extension Foundation, Intra Ear, the Ear Research Foundation, Arches Company, the American Tinnitus Association, Gel Tech, BASF (specifically on the work for SAMe) and WebMD (work related to anal sis of weight loss/nutrition software). He also serves as a consultant for many professional athletes, and is an advisor for several teams in the NHL, NFL MLB, and NBA.
Steven A. Witherly,
Ph.D.Scientific Advisory Board
Steven A. Witherly, Ph.D. is a leading expert in the field of food science, nutrition, and product formulation. Dr. Witherly holds a Ph.D. in Human Nutrition from Michigan State University, and both his M.S. in Food Science and a B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of California at Davis.
Dr. Witherly is an esteemed member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Los Angeles Chapter, Institute of Food Technologists – Sensory Division, Sigma Xi Research Society, the Gerontological Society, the New York Academy of Sciences, American Institute of Wine and Food and the American Society of Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition. Has lectured at USC School of Pharmacy, University of California at Northridge, University of California at Long Beach, and University of California at Davis, and currently is an Adjunct Professor of Food Science for Chapman College in Orange County. He also holds the honor of having been named National IFT (International Food Technologists) Scientific Lecturer for 96-2001. His extensive career includes high-level product development positions at many world recognized food and health companies creating a variety of top national and international brands. Dr. Witherly is also a published author and speaker on the science of food.
Ph.D.Scientific Advisory Board
Steven A. Witherly, Ph.D. is a leading expert in the field of food science, nutrition, and product formulation. Dr. Witherly holds a Ph.D. in Human Nutrition from Michigan State University, and both his M.S. in Food Science and a B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of California at Davis.
Dr. Witherly is an esteemed member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Los Angeles Chapter, Institute of Food Technologists – Sensory Division, Sigma Xi Research Society, the Gerontological Society, the New York Academy of Sciences, American Institute of Wine and Food and the American Society of Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition. Has lectured at USC School of Pharmacy, University of California at Northridge, University of California at Long Beach, and University of California at Davis, and currently is an Adjunct Professor of Food Science for Chapman College in Orange County. He also holds the honor of having been named National IFT (International Food Technologists) Scientific Lecturer for 96-2001. His extensive career includes high-level product development positions at many world recognized food and health companies creating a variety of top national and international brands. Dr. Witherly is also a published author and speaker on the science of food.
ViSalus Board Members
Robert B. Goergen, Sr.
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Blyth, Inc.
Robert B. Goergen is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Blyth, Inc., a leading global designer and marketer of home decorative and fragranced products.
Over the course of his career Mr. Goergen has been partner to McKinsey & Company and served as Managing General Partner of The Sprout Group at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette. Prior to that, he worked with McCann-Erickson and Proctor & Gamble. Goergen has served as a member of numerous private and public companies, including serving as the non-executive Chairman of XTRA Corporation, NYSE from 1990 to 2001. Currently, he is a member of the Board of Directors of Protein Sciences Corporation, a bio-tech venture.
In addition, Mr. Goergen is a member of the Greenwich YMCA Board of Directors and a Board member of the Greenwich Historical Society. Mr. Goergen has served on the Board of Trustees of the University of Rochester since 1982 and was Chairman from 1990 to 2003. Since 1997, Mr. Goergen has served on the Wharton School Board of Overseers of The University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Goergen received his undergraduate degree in physics, graduating cum laude from the University of Rochester and received his MBA in Finance from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Blyth, Inc.
Robert B. Goergen is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Blyth, Inc., a leading global designer and marketer of home decorative and fragranced products.
Over the course of his career Mr. Goergen has been partner to McKinsey & Company and served as Managing General Partner of The Sprout Group at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette. Prior to that, he worked with McCann-Erickson and Proctor & Gamble. Goergen has served as a member of numerous private and public companies, including serving as the non-executive Chairman of XTRA Corporation, NYSE from 1990 to 2001. Currently, he is a member of the Board of Directors of Protein Sciences Corporation, a bio-tech venture.
In addition, Mr. Goergen is a member of the Greenwich YMCA Board of Directors and a Board member of the Greenwich Historical Society. Mr. Goergen has served on the Board of Trustees of the University of Rochester since 1982 and was Chairman from 1990 to 2003. Since 1997, Mr. Goergen has served on the Wharton School Board of Overseers of The University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Goergen received his undergraduate degree in physics, graduating cum laude from the University of Rochester and received his MBA in Finance from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Robert B. Goergen, Jr.
President, Direct Selling Group and President, PartyLite Worldwide
Robert B. Goergen, Jr. joined Blyth in 2000 as Director of Blyth’s Internet Strategy and E-Business Initiatives Group, overseeing both web-oriented initiatives and strategic technology investments throughout the Company. In 2002, Mr. Goergen, Jr. was appointed Vice President of Blyth’s Business Development Group, overseeing the Company’s acquisition strategy and implementation. In 2004, Mr. Goergen, Jr. became a member of Blyth’s newly-formed Office of the Chairman and was named President, Catalog & Internet Group. He assumed responsibility for Blyth’s Wholesale businesses in 2006 which, combined with the Catalog & Internet companies, became the Multi-Channel Group. In 2012, Mr. Goergen, Jr. was appointed President, Direct Selling Group at Blyth and President, PartyLite Worldwide. Mr. Goergen, Jr. continues to manage the Company’s acquisition strategy and implementation.
Prior to joining Blyth, Mr. Goergen, Jr. served as Account & New Media Director for McCann-Erickson, where he oversaw E-commerce development and Internet marketing efforts for consumer products and services accounts. Prior to that, he worked in corporate marketing at Candle Corporation of America.
Mr. Goergen, Jr. currently serves as a member of the Board of Trustees at Choate Rosemary Hall. He holds a B.A. from the University of Richmond and his M.B.A. from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
President, Direct Selling Group and President, PartyLite Worldwide
Robert B. Goergen, Jr. joined Blyth in 2000 as Director of Blyth’s Internet Strategy and E-Business Initiatives Group, overseeing both web-oriented initiatives and strategic technology investments throughout the Company. In 2002, Mr. Goergen, Jr. was appointed Vice President of Blyth’s Business Development Group, overseeing the Company’s acquisition strategy and implementation. In 2004, Mr. Goergen, Jr. became a member of Blyth’s newly-formed Office of the Chairman and was named President, Catalog & Internet Group. He assumed responsibility for Blyth’s Wholesale businesses in 2006 which, combined with the Catalog & Internet companies, became the Multi-Channel Group. In 2012, Mr. Goergen, Jr. was appointed President, Direct Selling Group at Blyth and President, PartyLite Worldwide. Mr. Goergen, Jr. continues to manage the Company’s acquisition strategy and implementation.
Prior to joining Blyth, Mr. Goergen, Jr. served as Account & New Media Director for McCann-Erickson, where he oversaw E-commerce development and Internet marketing efforts for consumer products and services accounts. Prior to that, he worked in corporate marketing at Candle Corporation of America.
Mr. Goergen, Jr. currently serves as a member of the Board of Trustees at Choate Rosemary Hall. He holds a B.A. from the University of Richmond and his M.B.A. from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Todd A. Goergen
Managing Partner, The Ropart Asset Management FundsPost navigation
Todd A. Goergen is Founder and Managing Partner of The Ropart Asset Management Funds. He started his career in Mergers and Acquisitions at Donaldson, Lufkin and Jenrette in the mid-1990s. After leaving DLJ, Goergen went on to become Director of Mergers and Acquisitions at Blyth, Inc. (NYSE:BTH), a leading global designer and marketer of home decorative and fragranced products.
Todd Goergen is also Chairman of the Board of Digital Traffic Systems, Inc. and iMergent, Inc. (AMEX:IIG) and serves on the Board of Directors of QCL Holdings, Inc., Heads & Threads International, LLC, NorthStar Systems International, Inc., and ViSalus Holdings, LLC. He is on the US and International Advisory Councils to the Global Leadership Foundation (www.g-l-f.org). Todd Goergen received a BA in Economics and Political Science from Wake Forest University.
Todd Goergen is also Chairman of the Board of Digital Traffic Systems, Inc. and iMergent, Inc. (AMEX:IIG) and serves on the Board of Directors of QCL Holdings, Inc., Heads & Threads International, LLC, NorthStar Systems International, Inc., and ViSalus Holdings, LLC. He is on the US and International Advisory Councils to the Global Leadership Foundation (www.g-l-f.org). Todd Goergen received a BA in Economics and Political Science from Wake Forest University.
Robert H. Barghaus
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Blyth, Inc.
Robert H. Barghaus joined Blyth and was appointed Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in 2001. In June 2004, Mr. Barghaus became a member of Blyth’s newly-formed Office of the Chairman. Prior to joining Blyth, Mr. Barghaus most recently served as Senior Vice President of Finance and Strategic Development of Cahner’s Business Information. He has also served as Vice President of Finance and Administration, acting Chief Operating Officer of Labatt’s USA; Vice President in the Caldor Division of May Department Stores, Director of Finance at American Can, and senior consultant at Arthur Anderson.
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Blyth, Inc.
Robert H. Barghaus joined Blyth and was appointed Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in 2001. In June 2004, Mr. Barghaus became a member of Blyth’s newly-formed Office of the Chairman. Prior to joining Blyth, Mr. Barghaus most recently served as Senior Vice President of Finance and Strategic Development of Cahner’s Business Information. He has also served as Vice President of Finance and Administration, acting Chief Operating Officer of Labatt’s USA; Vice President in the Caldor Division of May Department Stores, Director of Finance at American Can, and senior consultant at Arthur Anderson.