John Brown
Member
Coty names Markus Strobel Executive Chairman and Interim CEO, announced that the seasoned industry executive will assume both roles effective January 1, 2026, as the global beauty company begins a new chapter of leadership and strategic focus.
Strobel steps into the position following the retirement of long-time board chair Peter Harf, who has served Coty for more than three decades, and the upcoming departure of CEO Sue Nabi, who will step down after a five-year tenure leading the company's executive team.
Leadership Experience and Strategic Mandate
Markus Strobel brings over 33 years of experience from Procter & Gamble (P&G), where he most recently served as President of the Global Skin & Personal Care business, overseeing a multi-billion-dollar portfolio that included more than a dozen global brands. His extensive background encompasses leadership across beauty and grooming categories from fine fragrances to hair care and includes roles managing brands like Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino and Hugo Boss.Coty's board believes Strobel's track record of organizational transformation and commercial strategy positions him well to guide the company through evolving market dynamics and catalyze profitable growth across prestige and mass beauty segments.
A Pivotal Moment for Coty
Strobel assumes leadership at what Coty describes as a “pivotal moment” as the company conducts a strategic review of its Consumer Beauty business and seeks opportunities to strengthen its competitive position while driving sustainable value for shareholders, partners and consumers.Under Sue Nabi's leadership, Coty launched and expanded several high-profile fragrances and worked to reduce the company's financial leverage, helping position the business with greater operational stability. Strobel's appointment follows this foundation, as Coty looks to accelerate growth and expand its reach across global beauty markets.
Building on a Legacy of Brand Strength
Coty, founded in Paris in 1904, is one of the world's largest beauty companies with a diverse portfolio spanning fragrance, color cosmetics, skin and body care, and distribution in over 120 countries worldwide. Its brands include both prestige icons and mass-market favorites, and the company has a long history of empowering people to express personal creativity through beauty.Strobel's leadership is expected to strengthen these strengths while exploring avenues for innovation, expansion and operational excellence across Coty's global business footprint.
Transition and Future Outlook
With Peter Harf retiring and Sue Nabi stepping down at the end of 2025, Strobel's dual role as Executive Chairman and Interim CEO places him at the center of Coty's next strategic phase. The board has expressed confidence that this transition will help Coty refine its strategic priorities, enhance execution capabilities, and unlock new opportunities for profitable growth in a competitive beauty landscape.As the company enters 2026 under Strobel's leadership, Coty will continue its consumer beauty review and broader initiatives to strengthen its performance across both prestige and mass segments with the overarching goal of delivering sustained value to stakeholders around the world.
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