Coty Inc. Appoints New CFO; Details Executive Pay Changes

What Happened
Coty Inc. announced a planned Chief Financial Officer succession: Laurent Mercier will remain CFO through August 31, 2026, and Soraya Zoueihed Benchikh will become CFO and principal financial officer effective September 1, 2026. The Board approved the appointment on August 17, 2026; the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1. The filing also discloses new or updated compensation arrangements for Interim CEO/Executive Chairman Markus Strobel and Chief Legal Officer Kristin Blazewicz.

Key Details

• Soraya Benchikh (new CFO) — employment agreement effective Sept 1, 2026 (with COTY SAS):
  • Annual base salary: €1,165,000.
  • Annual bonus target: 150% of base (max 300%); guaranteed minimum 150% for fiscal 2027 if employed through Aug 31, 2027.
  • Sign-on RSUs: $2.5 million grant-date value, vesting on 3rd anniversary.
  • Sign-on stock options: 1.5 million options, subject to continued employment and performance conditions.
  • Annual long-term incentive target: $2.5 million (initial grant expected H2 2026).
  • €860,000 sign-on cash bonus payable Sept 2027 (subject to continued employment through Aug 31, 2027).
  • Relocation/mobility benefits, €15,000 car allowance (or company vehicle), pension opt-out allowance €3,500/month, tuition and tax support.
  • Post-employment: 18‑month non-solicit; 12‑month non-compete (Europe & U.S.).
  • If terminated without cause: severance = 18 months’ base pay; sign-on RSUs vest pro rata, options vest per performance conditions.
• Markus Strobel (Executive Chairman & Interim CEO) — effective Sept 1, 2026: base salary increased to $1,600,000 (from $1,250,000), bonus target raised to 170% of base (from 150%), and annual equity grant target $3,000,000.
• Kristin Blazewicz (Chief Legal Officer) — approved bonus of $1,275,000 payable in two equal installments in July 2027 and July 2028, subject to continued employment on June 30 of 2027 and 2028.
• The filing states Mr. Mercier’s separation is not due to any disagreement with the company on operations, policies or practices. Employment agreement (Exhibit 10.1) and press release (Exhibit 99.1) are referenced.

Why It Matters
For investors, the filing signals a leadership change at the finance function and discloses meaningful compensation and retention packages that may affect Coty’s operating costs and equity dilution. Large sign‑on awards, annual equity grants and increased cash compensation for senior executives can increase near‑term compensation expense and potentially dilute shareholders if equity awards vest and are settled in stock. The specified severance and post‑employment covenants outline potential future obligations and protections designed to retain or transition senior management.