Paul Block

Paul Block

  • Former CEO

Revlon International, Proteus Capital; Operating Partner — Behrman Capital

Paul Block

Overview

Paul Block is an accomplished Chief Executive Officer, investment professional, board director, and executive mentor with extensive experience in the Consumer Products and Financial Services sectors.  His successful track record includes leading the global development and growth of the international division of one of the world’s most storied consumer brands. Block has also advised numerous financial institutions, insurance companies, retailers, and consumer product companies on a series of topics ranging from global strategic expansion to improving senior executive performance. Block also spearheaded the U.S. financial services industry’s expansion into China through the restructuring of the non-performing loans of China’s State Owned Banks as well as the establishment of the China Retail Fund.

Career History

He is Chairman and CEO of Proteus Capital Associates, an investment banking firm that develops and assists in the realization of investment opportunities in Asia and Latin America.  Mr. Block is also an Executive Mentor with The Exco Group, providing mentoring services to C-suite executives in the U. S., Europe, and Asia.  He is a Senior Advisor to Dunes Point Capital, serving on the boards of portfolio companies in the consumer products and industrial sectors.  Previously he was an Operating Partner at Behrman Capital, overseeing the consumer products and specialty manufacturing sectors.

As Chairman, CEO and President of Revlon International Block was a leading figure in the global cosmetics and toiletries industry for 17 years.  He managed the company’s finance, marketing, sales, and manufacturing producing more than 70% of Revlon’s worldwide income.  In addition to growing revenue and profit in 127 existing markets, he structured new joint ventures and strategic alliances in China, India, and Eastern Europe.

Block was also the President and CEO of Brasil Beaute, an investor and operating company committed to the identification of high-growth opportunities in the emerging Brazilian consumer market.

He has been an Executive Consultant to the American International Group (NYSE: AIG), Macy’s Corp. (NYSE:M), China International Trust and Investment Corp (CITIC), and the CP Group of Thailand.  Block has also been an advisor to Ford Models, Wellpoint Health Insurance, and the Clinton Global Initiative.  He served as co-chair of the New York Police Department’s (NYPD) recruiting task force following 9/11 and was Chairman of the New York City Department of Education Human Resources Advisory Task Force.

Personal

He holds a BA Degree from Syracuse University where he was previously a member of the Board of Advisors of the Whitman School of Management and a member of the Board of Directors of the Shanghai-Syracuse International School of Business.

Insights

Leadership Moments: Make Sure Your Strengths Don’t Become A Weakness

“The drive that made them successful at delivering monthly or quarterly numbers is not necessarily the same drive that they need to stand back and inspire people.”

In his interview with The Exco Group’s Adam Bryant, Block talks about the challenges of jumping from an operating role to a strategic one, the art of listening, and the importance of being open to change and new perspectives. Click here to read more.

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