Dora Hoan Elected World Direct Selling Association Chair
The Best World International CEO is the first leader chosen from the Asia-Pacific region for the federation.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in People
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Dora Hoan has been elected as the new chair of the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations during its 18th world congress in Incheon, South Korea. Hoan, who is the co-founder and global CEO of Best World International, marks the first time an individual from the Asia-Pacific region will lead the 48-year-old organization.
Why it matters
Hoan intends to prioritize direct engagement with governments and regulators while improving communication channels across the federation and its various stakeholders. Her leadership arrives as the industry continues to expand its global reach and navigate complex international market regulations.
Best World International, which Hoan co-founded in 1990, currently operates across 27 distinct global markets. Internal metrics indicate that 69 percent of the company's distributors are women, with 44 identified as a key age threshold for distributor demographic data.
The players
Dora Hoan
She is the global CEO and co-founder of Best World International and serves as the newly elected chair of the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations.
World Federation of Direct Selling Associations
This international organization represents the global direct selling industry and has coordinated world congresses for 48 years.
Best World International
Founded in 1990, this company is a skincare and wellness firm that operates in 27 different markets worldwide.
The details
The election occurred as the organization convened for its 18th world congress to discuss the future of the direct selling industry. Hoan brings leadership experience from her tenure at Best World, which has maintained an active presence in the international market for over three decades.
Timeline
Best World was co-founded in 1990.
The 18th world congress took place from October 19 to 21, 2026.
Market Landscape
The transition to leadership from the Asia-Pacific region signals a shift toward the growth hubs that are currently driving the direct selling industry. This move positions the federation to leverage the experience of executives from rapidly expanding markets like those where Best World operates.
For stakeholders and distributors, this change in leadership may result in new communicative frameworks and policy priorities regarding government relations. These organizational shifts are intended to streamline operations and enhance transparency between the federation and its global network.
The takeaway
Hoan's election highlights the growing influence of the Asia-Pacific region within global corporate governance structures. Her upcoming term will likely set a new precedent for how direct selling associations interact with government regulators on an international scale.
Further reading
For more on influential leaders in the industry, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Business Times.
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