Paul J. Block
Paul Block is an accomplished Chief Executive Officer with a strong background in both the
Consumer Products and Financial Services sectors. Mr. Block was the Chairman and President
of the international division of a leading consumer products company. In addition, Mr. Block has
advised several of the world’s largest retailers, financial institutions, insurance companies, private
equity groups, and consumer products manufacturers on a series of projects ranging from global
strategic development to their expansion into the Chinese market.
Mr. Block is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Proteus Capital Associates, an investment
banking firm which identifies, develops and assists in the realization of global investment
opportunities, primarily in China. Mr. Block is also an Operating Partner at Behrman Capital,
overseeing the consumer products sector. He was previously an advisor to Federated
Department Stores/Macy’s (NYSE:FD), Ford Models, the CP Group of Thailand, Wellpoint Health
Insurance (NYSE:WLP), and China International Trust and Investment Corporation (CITIC). He
was also a Senior Consultant to Lehman Brothers, where he was responsible for developing
Lehman’s investment banking and bank restructuring practice in the People’s Republic of China.
Mr. Block has also served as Executive Consultant to the American International Group
(NYSE:AIG), with responsibility for Financial Services and Direct Investment Product Origination
and Development. In this capacity he originated and participated in raising numerous emerging
market direct investment funds valued at over US$2 billion. Prior to joining AIG, Mr. Block
originated and led the marketing of the investment units of the China Retail Fund, a US$186
million equity investment fund co-sponsored by AIG and the Chinese Ministry of Internal Trade
(MOIT). He currently serves as a member of its Board of Directors.
As Chairman and President of Revlon International (NYSE:REV), Mr. Block was a leading figure
in the global cosmetics and toiletries industry. In this capacity he was responsible for
approximately US$1 billion in sales through subsidiary operations in Asia, Europe and Latin
America. He managed the company’s marketing, sales and manufacturing, strengthening
Revlon’s brand image and penetration while producing over 70% of Revlon’s worldwide income.
In addition to growing revenue in 127 existing markets, he expanded operations and sales into
new markets in China, India and Eastern Europe. Prior to Mr. Block’s tenure as head of Revlon
International, he was the President and CEO of Revlon Professional Products and Executive Vice
President of Marketing for Revlon.
Prior to Mr. Block’s 16 years at Revlon, he served as Vice President of Marketing for
Chesebrough Ponds in both the United States and Japan.
He is a member of the Board of Directors of CCL Industries (TSE:CCL), the world’s largest
specialty packaging and label manufacturer, Selig Sealing Products, a multinational manufacturer
of seals and liners for consumer products, and Peacock Engineering Corporation, a contract
manufacturer serving the food industry.
Mr. Block is a member of the New York City Department of Education Human Resources
Advisory Task Force. He was the Chairman of the New York Police Department (NYPD)
Recruiting Task Force following 9/11.
Mr. Block holds a BA degree from Syracuse University, where he is a member of the Board of
Advisors of the School of Management. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the
Shanghai-Syracuse International School of Business.
Mr. Block and his wife, Valerie Salembier, have two children. They live in New York City and
East Hampton, N.Y.