Coty (COTY) Proxy filing summary

Executive summary

• Fiscal 2026 was marked by challenging sales, margin, and profitability pressures, but decisive actions were taken to simplify operations, reduce net debt by $840 million, and focus on long-term value creation.

• Strategic initiatives included a review of the consumer beauty business, monetization of the Wella stake, and early transition of the Gucci Beauty license, securing $400 million in proceeds.

• Leadership changes included the appointment of a new Executive Chairman/Interim CEO and a comprehensive Board refresh with seven of nine directors added in the past year.

• Fiscal 2027 is expected to be a transition year as the company advances its Coty.Curated framework and completes its strategic review.

Voting matters and shareholder proposals

• Stockholders will vote on the election of nine directors, approval of amended equity and director stock plans, advisory votes on executive compensation and its frequency, and ratification of Deloitte as auditor.

• The Board recommends voting FOR all director nominees, FOR the amended plans, FOR annual say-on-pay, and FOR Deloitte's appointment.

Board of directors and corporate governance

• The Board is composed of nine directors, with a majority qualifying as independent under NYSE standards.

• Recent refreshment brought in directors with global experience in beauty, luxury, finance, and transformation.

• The Board leadership structure includes a combined Executive Chairman/Interim CEO, a Lead Independent Director, and independent committee chairs.

• The company maintains controlled company status but voluntarily adheres to higher independence standards.