CEO Council

GFDSA CEO Council

The GFDSA CEO Council is an exclusive, high-level advisory body established under the Global Federation of Direct Selling Associations (GFDSA). This council comprises the CEOs of leading regional and domestic direct-selling companies, representing diverse markets across GFDSA member countries.

The primary role of the CEO Council is to serve as a strategic forum for global industry leadership, where top executives come together to engage in meaningful dialogue, share visionary insights, and address key challenges and opportunities facing the direct selling sector.

Through this platform, GFDSA ensures that the voices of regional leaders and domestic enterprises are heard at the highest level, encouraging collaborative policy-making, innovation-driven initiatives, and sustainable industry practices that align with global standards.

The CEO Council will play a pivotal role in:

  • Guiding the long-term strategic direction of GFDSA initiatives
  • Advising on cross-border regulatory trends, technology integration, and ethical practices
  • Supporting capacity-building efforts for regional and domestic associations
  • Promoting best practices, transparency, and business integrity across all levels of the industry

This council reflects GFDSA’s commitment to inclusivity, thought leadership, and a united global ecosystem in which every stakeholder—regardless of market size—is represented.

The GFDSA CEO Council

The GFDSA CEO Council is a distinguished leadership and advisory body within the Global Federation of Direct Selling Associations (GFDSA). It is vital in providing strategic direction, ethical leadership, and policy guidance for the Federation. The Council operates as a collaborative platform, ensuring regional and domestic direct selling companies' voices are equally represented globally.

Unlike traditional models centered around multinational exclusivity, the GFDSA CEO Council comprises CEOs from leading regional, domestic, and emerging direct-selling enterprises. It recognizes that innovation, growth, and ethical leadership come from businesses of all sizes and back

The Council convenes annually in rotating host regions to foster engagement, inclusivity, and cross-cultural dialogue. These forums offer a space for candid, solutions-driven discussions on challenges, opportunities, and innovations in the global direct selling landscape.

Core Responsibilities:

  • Provide strategic oversight for GFDSA’s global mission, policies, and development priorities
  • Offer guidance on the Federation’s budget, Code of Ethics, and global initiatives
  • Serve as an advisory think tank for matters related to regulation, innovation, consumer trust, and cross-border collaboration
  • Nominating, from among its members, the Chairperson of the GFDSA CEO Council
  • Champion GFDSA’s values in all public and private engagements

Membership Expectations:

To uphold the integrity and leadership standards of the GFDSA CEO Council, each representative must:

  • Uphold and actively promote the principles outlined in the GFDSA World Code of Ethics
  • Be an active supporter or affiliate of their country’s domestic or regional direct selling , reinforcing the federation’s grassroots-first philosophy
  • Maintain full transparency by disclosing any regulatory or legal proceedings affecting their company’s direct selling activities
  • Support and contribute to the Federation’s sustainability through timely membership participation fees or contributions as defined by GFDSA policies
  • Demonstrate commitment to empowering ethical entrepreneurship, especially among underrepresented regions and emerging markets

Funding Structure:

GFDSA’s operational model is non-monopolistic and member-inclusive, with the CEO Council contributing to but not solely financing the Federation. The Federation ensures sustainability through a balanced funding approach, including contributions from:

  • Member associations
  • Regional initiatives and sponsorships
  • Participated in CEO Council and strategic partner programs
  • Educational and developmental programs

The GFDSA CEO Council embodies the Federation’s core belief that global impact begins with local empowerment. By engaging diverse visionary leaders, the Council propels GFDSA’s mission to build a transparent, ethical, and inclusive direct-selling industry for all nations and people.

GFDSA Membership for Regional Direct Selling Associations (RDSAs)

The Global Federation of Direct Selling Associations (GFDSA) proudly represents and supports a diverse network of regional direct selling associations worldwide. As a global federation founded on the principles of inclusivity and empowerment, GFDSA recognizes all legitimate regional direct-selling associations, regardless of size or region, as vital contributors to the advancement of the direct-selling industry.

Eligibility & Inclusivity

Any duly registered and constitutionally established direct selling association from any country or region can apply for GFDSA membership. GFDSA welcomes an association per country if they meet the ethical, legal, and operational standards required for membership. This ensures legitimate representation and practices.

Types of DSA Membership:

1. Full Membership

Granted to DSAs that comply with the GFDSA Minimum Association Standards and the GFDSA World Code of Ethics. Full members enjoy the following privileges:

  • Voting rights at GFDSA General Assemblies and Committee meetings
  • Eligibility to nominate representatives to serve on key GFDSA committees
  • Access to all GFDSA programs, resources, and strategic forums
  • Visibility on GFDSA’s global platforms and initiatives

2. Developmental Membership

Designed for newly formed or developing associations that are in the process of achieving full compliance. Benefits include:

  • Access to GFDSA’s training, mentoring, and development programs
  • Participation in global dialogues (non-voting capacity)
  • Reduced membership fees during the development phase
  • Guidance toward achieving full membership status within a defined timeframe

Annual Membership Contribution Structure:

To ensure financial accessibility and fairness, GFDSA membership contributions are based on the size and maturity of the regional direct selling market, not solely on retail volume. The goal is to support associations from emerging economies and developing nations alongside more mature markets.

Annual National Retail Sales Volume (USD) Annual Membership Fee (USD)
Over $5 Billion $4,000
$1 – 5 Billion $2,000
$250 Million – $999 Million $1,000
Below $250 Million $800
New or Emerging Associations $500 (Developmental Membership Tier)

GFDSA may waive or reduce fees for associations in low-income or transitioning economies based on a needs assessment and strategic alignment.

Important Notes:

  • All members must adhere to the GFDSA World Code of Ethics and participate in federation initiatives.
  • Membership fees fund advocacy, training, research, and global collaboration programs that benefit all members.
  • Annual contributions are non-refundable and must be renewed annually to maintain active membership status.