Oprah Winfrey Partners with Weight Watchers

1372

Oprah Winfrey and Weight Watchers International Inc. have joined together in a partnership she says will inspire people around the world to lead a healthier and more fulfilling life.  

Winfrey says she was compelled by the proven Weight Watchers program combined with new initiatives to broaden the company’s mission to prioritize overall health and wellness.  As a part of this long-term partnership, Winfrey is making a substantial equity investment in the company and is joining the board of directors, bringing her insight to future products and programs.

“Weight Watchers has given me the tools to begin to make the lasting shift that I and so many of us who are struggling with weight have longed for,” Oprah Winfrey says.  “I believe in the program so much I decided to invest in the company and partner in its evolution.”

Winfrey’s roles at Weight Watchers will include:

  • Member – Winfrey has joined the program and will candidly share her experiences and perspective along the way.
  • Board member and adviser – Winfrey will bring insight and strategy to program development and execution that reflects not only her own experiences as a member, but also her unique ability to inspire and connect people to live their best lives.
  • Owner – Winfrey will purchase newly issued shares representing 10 percent of the shares outstanding and will receive options to acquire an additional 5 percent of the fully diluted shares.

“This is very exciting news and we are so happy Oprah Winfrey has joined our team,” says Florine Mark, president and CEO of The Weight Watchers Group Inc.  “Oprah believes in the program and has the ability to inspire people to be the very best they can be, which goes hand-in-hand with our holistic approach to healthy living.”