Coty names Markus Strobel Executive Chairman and Interim CEO, announcing 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.
A Leadership Change at a Defining Moment
Coty’s announcement comes at what the company describes as a “pivotal moment” in its corporate evolution. The beauty industry continues to undergo rapid shifts driven by changing consumer preferences, digital transformation, emerging markets growth, and heightened competition across both prestige and mass categories.
As part of its forward-looking strategy, Coty is currently conducting a strategic review of its Consumer Beauty division, exploring ways to strengthen its competitive positioning, optimize its brand portfolio, and unlock sustainable value for shareholders. Strobel’s appointment is designed to provide experienced leadership during this critical evaluation period while ensuring stability across the organization.
The board has emphasized that combining the roles of Executive Chairman and Interim CEO allows for faster decision-making, closer alignment between governance and execution, and a unified vision as Coty prepares for its next chapter.
Markus Strobel’s Extensive Industry Credentials
Markus Strobel joins Coty with a career spanning 33 years at Procter & Gamble, one of the world’s most respected consumer goods companies. Most recently, he served as President of P&G’s Global Skin & Personal Care business, overseeing a multi-billion-dollar portfolio and leading operations across multiple regions and categories.
Throughout his tenure at P&G, Strobel held a wide range of senior leadership positions, gaining deep experience in:
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Global brand strategy and portfolio management
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Organizational transformation and operational excellence
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Market expansion and commercial execution
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Managing iconic luxury and mass-market brands
His leadership experience spans key beauty and grooming categories, including fine fragrances, skin care, hair care, and personal grooming. Notably, Strobel has worked closely with globally recognized brands such as Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino, and Hugo Boss, providing him with valuable insight into prestige branding and consumer engagement.
Coty’s board believes this blend of operational rigor and brand sophistication uniquely positions Strobel to lead the company through its next phase of growth.
Board Confidence in Strategic Leadership
In announcing the appointment, Coty’s board highlighted Strobel’s ability to guide large organizations through periods of transformation while maintaining a sharp focus on profitable growth. His experience managing complex global teams and driving performance across diverse markets was cited as particularly valuable given Coty’s extensive international footprint.
The board has expressed confidence that Strobel’s leadership will help Coty:
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Refine its long-term strategic priorities
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Enhance execution across prestige and consumer beauty segments
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Strengthen financial discipline and operational efficiency
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Capitalize on emerging growth opportunities
By stepping into both Chairman and CEO responsibilities, Strobel will play a central role in shaping Coty’s strategic direction while ensuring continuity during the executive transition.
Recognizing Sue Nabi’s Five-Year Tenure
Strobel’s appointment follows the planned departure of Sue Nabi, who joined Coty as CEO in 2020 and led the company through a period of stabilization and renewal. During her tenure, Nabi focused on strengthening Coty’s brand portfolio, expanding its fragrance business, and improving the company’s financial position.
Under her leadership, Coty:
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Launched and scaled several high-profile fragrance brands
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Strengthened partnerships with global licensors and retailers
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Reduced financial leverage and improved balance sheet flexibility
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Advanced sustainability and inclusion initiatives
Nabi’s strategic emphasis on brand desirability and operational discipline helped position Coty for its next phase of growth. The company has acknowledged her contributions as laying a strong foundation upon which Strobel will build.
Peter Harf’s Enduring Legacy at Coty
The leadership transition also marks the retirement of Peter Harf, who has served Coty for more than 30 years and played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s modern identity. As Board Chairman, Harf oversaw numerous acquisitions, brand expansions, and strategic realignments that helped establish Coty as one of the world’s largest beauty companies.
Harf’s tenure has been defined by long-term stewardship, deep industry relationships, and a commitment to preserving Coty’s entrepreneurial spirit. His departure represents the close of an era and underscores the significance of the leadership changes now underway.
Coty’s Global Brand Portfolio and Market Reach
Founded in Paris in 1904, Coty has grown into a global beauty leader with operations in more than 120 countries. The company’s portfolio spans a wide range of categories, including:
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Prestige and mass fragrances
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Color cosmetics
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Skin and body care
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Professional and consumer beauty products
Coty’s brands include globally recognized names as well as emerging labels that appeal to younger, digitally native consumers. This diversified portfolio enables the company to compete across multiple price points and consumer segments, but it also requires careful portfolio management and strategic clarity—areas where Strobel’s experience is expected to prove valuable.
Strategic Priorities Moving Forward
As Executive Chairman and Interim CEO, Strobel will oversee Coty’s ongoing strategic initiatives, including the review of its Consumer Beauty business. This process is intended to evaluate brand performance, investment priorities, and potential structural changes to enhance competitiveness and profitability.
Key focus areas are expected to include:
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Strengthening core brands in both prestige and mass segments
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Accelerating innovation in fragrances, skin care, and cosmetics
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Enhancing digital and omnichannel capabilities
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Improving operational efficiency and supply chain resilience
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Driving sustainable growth in key international markets
Coty has emphasized that the strategic review is aimed at long-term value creation rather than short-term disruption, with the goal of positioning the company for durable success.
Navigating a Competitive Beauty Landscape
The global beauty market remains highly competitive, with established players, emerging indie brands, and direct-to-consumer challengers all vying for consumer attention. Shifts toward personalization, clean beauty, and digital engagement continue to reshape the industry.
Against this backdrop, Coty’s leadership transition reflects the company’s recognition that strong execution and strategic agility are essential. Strobel’s background in navigating competitive consumer markets and scaling brands globally aligns with the challenges Coty faces as it seeks to strengthen its market position.
Governance, Continuity, and Long-Term Vision
By appointing Strobel to both Chairman and CEO roles on an interim basis, Coty aims to ensure continuity during a period of transition while maintaining flexibility for future leadership decisions. The board has indicated that this structure allows the company to move forward decisively while continuing to evaluate long-term governance and leadership needs.
This approach underscores Coty’s commitment to balancing stability with adaptability—a critical consideration as the company prepares for 2026 and beyond.
Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond
As Coty enters 2026 under Markus Strobel’s leadership, the company is poised to build on the progress made over the past five years while pursuing new avenues for growth and innovation. With a strong brand heritage, global reach, and renewed strategic focus, Coty aims to enhance its relevance with consumers and deliver sustained value to shareholders.
The coming months will be closely watched by industry observers, investors, and partners alike as Strobel begins shaping Coty’s next chapter. His appointment represents not just a change in leadership, but a deliberate step toward refining Coty’s vision, strengthening execution, and reinforcing its position in the global beauty industry.
CXO Insiders is a platform for C-suite leaders, offering expert insights, industry trends, and strategic guidance. It covers leadership, technology, marketing, HR and operations to support executive decision-making.
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