Herbalife Ltd. (NYSE: HLF), a globally recognized leader in nutrition and wellness, has officially announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Stephan Gratziani as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective May 1, 2025. Mr. Gratziani, who currently serves as Herbalife’s President, will step into this leadership role as Michael Johnson, the company’s longstanding CEO and Chairman of the Board, transitions to the role of Executive Chairman.
This appointment signals a strategic move for Herbalife as it continues to innovate and expand its global presence in the health and wellness industry. With extensive experience in direct selling and a profound understanding of the company’s business model, Mr. Gratziani is poised to lead Herbalife into its next phase of growth.
A Legacy of Success and Leadership
Stephan Gratziani’s journey with Herbalife is unique. Before assuming executive roles within the company, he built a highly successful independent distributorship, growing it into one of Herbalife’s top-performing global networks. His 32-year career as an independent distributor has provided him with firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities within the direct-selling industry.
During these three decades, Mr. Gratziani navigated and adapted to shifting business models, changing consumer behaviors, evolving technologies, and increased competition in the industry. His ability to lead through change and drive significant business expansion positioned him as a respected figure within the Herbalife community and beyond.
Recognizing his strategic vision and leadership capabilities, Herbalife appointed Mr. Gratziani as Chief Strategy Officer in August 2023. In this role, he played a critical part in shaping the company’s long-term direction, spearheading initiatives aimed at strengthening Herbalife’s market position. His swift ascension continued as he took on the role of President in January 2024, where he oversaw significant business transformation efforts that have paved the way for Herbalife’s continued success.
Vision for Herbalife’s Future
As the incoming CEO, Mr. Gratziani is set to lead Herbalife with a vision centered on innovation, distributor empowerment, and global expansion. With a deep-rooted belief in the company’s business model and mission, he aims to enhance Herbalife’s impact on the health and wellness industry.
Speaking on his appointment, Mr. Gratziani expressed his enthusiasm for the future, stating, “As the world’s largest active and lifestyle nutrition brand, the impact we have made in the world is truly incredible. Our scale and reach globally put us in a unique position to become one of the world’s most important health and wellness platforms. Our belief in our business model and the value, service, and opportunity it provides is stronger than ever.”
A core component of Mr. Gratziani’s strategy will be leveraging the power of Herbalife’s distributor network while integrating cutting-edge health and wellness technologies. He is committed to modernizing the company’s operations, enhancing the customer experience, and redefining direct selling in the digital age.
A Strong Endorsement from Outgoing CEO Michael Johnson
Michael Johnson, who has played an instrumental role in shaping Herbalife into the global powerhouse it is today, voiced his strong support for Mr. Gratziani’s appointment. “Stephan came into the company, and his impact was immediate,” Johnson said. “As a proven leader, Stephan is the right CEO at the right time to keep our company at the forefront of direct selling and solidify our position as a leader in the health and wellness industry.”
Mr. Johnson’s transition to Executive Chairman ensures continuity and strategic oversight as the company moves forward under new leadership. His vast experience and deep understanding of the industry will continue to be valuable assets to Herbalife’s leadership team.
Enhancing Global Market Strategies
In addition to Mr. Gratziani’s appointment, Herbalife announced another key leadership transition. Rob Levy, the company’s current Managing Director of International Markets, will take on the role of President, Worldwide Markets, also effective May 1, 2025. This strategic move is expected to further strengthen Herbalife’s presence in international markets.
With a career spanning 30 years at Herbalife, Mr. Levy has held several senior leadership roles and has been instrumental in driving business growth across different regions. His extensive experience includes overseeing business strategy, sales, and marketing functions across 43 international markets, as well as leading the company’s international expansion efforts. In his new role, he will be responsible for ensuring that Herbalife’s global operations continue to thrive, with all Regional Managing Directors reporting directly to him.
The Future of Herbalife Under New Leadership
The appointment of Stephan Gratziani as CEO, coupled with Rob Levy’s promotion to President, Worldwide Markets, reflects Herbalife’s commitment to strengthening its leadership team and reinforcing its long-term strategic goals. As the company enters this new phase, its focus remains on expanding its global footprint, enhancing distributor success, and leveraging innovation to drive growth.
Under Mr. Gratziani’s leadership, Herbalife is expected to introduce new initiatives aimed at modernizing its business model and further integrating technology to enhance customer engagement. The company will likely continue investing in digital tools, e-commerce solutions, and data-driven strategies to improve the overall consumer experience.
Additionally, as the health and wellness industry continues to evolve, Herbalife is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging trends such as personalized nutrition, wellness coaching, and sustainable health solutions. Mr. Gratziani’s experience in understanding market shifts and his ability to adapt quickly will be key in driving Herbalife’s success in the coming years.
