Our Team

Our Founder

Our Founder

Our Founder

“Introducing balanced nutrition to millions of
people in the world is a dream come true for me.”
—Mark Hughes, 1956-2000      


Mark Hughes passed away in 2000, but his vision for changing people’s lives – helping people manage their weight, regain their health and find financial prosperity – continues to thrive.



Today, approximately 2.3 million Herbalife Independent Distributors in more than 83 countries are making their dreams of a healthier life and financial independence come true.

 

  
 
 
 

“You can’t stop a good idea from taking hold and spreading.”
The extraordinary vision and commitment that inspired Mark Hughes to found Herbalife began when he was a young man. In 1980, Mark launched Herbalife by working as the first Distributor selling the nutritional products.

As more and more people tried the products and experienced positive results, the business quickly expanded. Mark developed a network of Distributors who shared his vision, were passionate about the products and excited about the business opportunity.
“Through your efforts, people are discovering new worlds of opportunity and an eternal hope for the future.”
Speak with people who met Mark and they will tell you how he motivated them to commit themselves to reach greater heights personally and professionally. He inspired people from all walks of life through his faith in people’s ability to change lives, starting with their own. Mark believed that one person can truly make a difference and that difference is a healthier world.

“I am convinced the future will be brilliant beyond compare.”
In honor of Mark’s pioneering work in weight management and nutrition, Herbalife helped establish the Mark Hughes Cellular & Molecular Nutrition Laboratory at UCLA in 2003, dedicated to nutrition research.

 

Executive Team

Executive Team

Executive Team

Herbalife Michael Johnson

Michael O. Johnson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Michael O. Johnson has a track record of success as a leader. Named chief executive officer of Herbalife in 2003 and chairman in 2007, he sets the vision and strategy, and is the voice of the company to approximately 2.1 million Independent Distributors in 75 countries. He oversees all aspects of the company’s global operations, ensures the company has the resources necessary to meet its goals and pursues profitability and growth to increase shareholder value.  

Under his direction, the company had five years of double-digit sales growth and has doubled – from net sales of $1.1 billion in 2003 to $2.7 billion in 2010 – as well as building a global brand through its sponsorship of more than 100 teams, athletes and fitness events around the world, including the LA Galaxy, FC Barcelona, the LA Triathlon, Amgen Tour of California and American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO). 

Michael has strengthened Herbalife’s product development and manufacturing through the creation of Nutrition Advisory Board, the continued funding of the Mark Hughes Cellular and Molecular Nutrition Laboratory at UCLA, research and clinical studies at other leading universities, the development of the Herbalife Product and Science Center in Los Angeles and the Herbalife Innovation & Manufacturing facility in Lake Forest, California, and the creation of the Herbalife Nutrition Institute.

Michael is also chairman of the Herbalife Family Foundation (HFF), which is funded through donations from Herbalife, its Independent Distributors, employees, families and friends. In 2005, HFF launched its worldwide Casa Herbalife program to help bring good nutrition to needy children. Its first US-based site was at A Place Called Home and there are now more than 60 Casa Herbalife programs on six continents. 

Outside the boardroom, Michael is a fitness enthusiast and has been participating in triathlons and cycling races for more than 20 years.  He has encouraged Herbalife employees and Independent Distributors to join with him in participating in triathlons, marathons, cycling and fitness events around the world. Prior to Herbalife, Michael spent 17 years with The Walt Disney Company, serving as president of Disney International prior to joining Herbalife.