THE WHAT? Coty will continue paying former Chief Financial Officer Laurent Mercier an annual base salary of €825,000 through June 30, 2027, despite releasing him from active duties following a two-month handover period.
THE DETAILS Mercier stepped down as CFO on September 1 and moved into a strategic adviser role, with active transition duties expected to conclude on November 1. According to Coty’s regulatory filing, he will remain available for transition support through June 2027 and will receive his base salary alongside a €290,000 fixed bonus, while certain October equity awards remain eligible to vest. The agreement also includes non-compete payments and severance benefits that have not been quantified. The leadership transition comes as Coty reported fiscal 2026 revenue of US$5.81 billion, down 2 percent, adjusted EBITDA of US$846.9 million and financial net debt of US$2.91 billion.
THE WHY? The arrangement provides continuity as incoming CFO Soraya Benchikh takes responsibility for Coty’s finances during a period of portfolio and balance-sheet restructuring, including the strategic review of Consumer Beauty and the planned transition of the Gucci Beauty licence back to Kering.
Source: Tech Stock
