UNITED STATES
 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 8-K
 
CURRENT REPORT
 
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): November 11, 2018
 
Coty Inc.
 
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
 
Delaware
 
001-35964
 
13-3823358
(State or other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation)
 
(Commission File Number)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
350 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY
 
10118
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (212) 389-7300
 
(Former name or former address, if changed from last report)
 
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
 
o
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
o
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
o
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
o
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter). Emerging growth company o
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o







Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
 
On November 11, 2018, Camillo Pane, Chief Executive Officer and member of the board of directors (the “Board”) of Coty Inc. (NYSE: COTY) (the “Company”) resigned his positions with the Company for family reasons, effective immediately. Mr. Pane’s resignation was submitted pursuant to an agreement under which Mr. Pane will receive the severance benefits provided for under his existing amended employment agreement (previously filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed October 28, 2016) as if his employment were terminated for Good Reason so long as he provides the release and complies with the post-termination of employment covenants, in each case contemplated by his employment agreement. Mr. Pane’s resignation did not result from any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies or practices.

On November 11, 2018, the Board appointed Pierre Laubies, age 62, to the position of Chief Executive Officer and as an unpaid member of the Board, each effective November 11, 2018. In connection with such appointments, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Laubies (the “Employment Agreement”). Under the terms of the Employment Agreement, Mr. Laubies will serve as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer on an at will basis, during which time he is entitled to the following compensation and benefits: (i) an annual base salary in the amount of $1,500,000; (ii) participation in the Company’s Elite stock investment program as described in the Company’s Proxy Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 20, 2018, with a target investment amount of $20,000,000 to be attained by December 31, 2018; and (iii) participation in the employee benefit plans generally made available to senior officers of the Company group in the United Kingdom.

In addition, Mr. Laubies received on November 12, 2018 a one-time grant of restricted stock units with a value equal to $5,000,000, vesting 60 percent on the third anniversary of grant, 20 percent on the fourth anniversary of grant and 20 percent on the fifth anniversary of grant, subject to his continued employment with the Company through each applicable vesting date.

Upon Mr. Laubies’s separation from service by the Company without cause or by him for good reason, he will receive base salary continuation and continued medical coverage at no cost to him for one year (or, in the event of his resignation for good reason at any time following a change in control of the Company, for two years). In each case Mr. Laubies’s continued medical coverage will end if he becomes eligible to receive comparable welfare benefits from a subsequent employer. As a condition to receiving the severance benefits described in this paragraph, Mr. Laubies is required to execute a general release and adhere to a 12-month post-termination non-solicitation restriction, a 12-month post-termination noncompetition restriction, and a perpetual confidentiality obligation.

In addition, upon Mr. Laubies’s death, disability or retirement (as set forth in the Company’s Equity and Long-Term Incentive Plan), the restricted stock units described above, and any options or Series A Preferred Stock received pursuant to the Elite stock investment program, will vest on a pro-rata basis. Upon Mr. Laubies’s separation from service by the Company without cause or by him for good reason within twelve months after a change in control of the Company (provided, in the case of Series A Preferred Stock, that the change in control occurs after the first anniversary of the grant date), each of the equity awards described above will vest in full.

The foregoing description of the Employment Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Employment Agreement, attached to this Current Report on Form 8-K as Exhibit 10.1.

Mr. Laubies has served since May 2018 as a director of Continental Foods Europe NV. From September 2013 to March 2018, Mr. Laubies served as the Chief Executive Offer of Jacobs Douwe Egberts B.V., the world’s leading pure play FMCG coffee and tea company. Mr. Laubies brings over twenty years of experience in international companies, including consumer goods manufacturers such as Ontex IV SA, Mars Inc. and Campbell Soup Co. Mr. Laubies holds a Master’s Degree in economics from Sciences Po (Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris) (IEP) (Paris Institute of Political Studies) and a Law Degree from the University of Paris Sorbonne. There is no family relationship between Mr. Laubies and any director or executive officer of the Company. There have been no transactions, nor are there any currently proposed transactions, to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries was or is to be a participant in which Mr. Laubies, or any member of his immediate family, had, or will have, a direct or indirect material interest.

On November 11, 2018, Lambertus J.H. Becht stepped down from his role as Chairman of the Board and the Board appointed Peter Harf, Board member and former CEO of the Company, as Chairman of the Board, effective immediately. Mr. Becht will remain a Board member.

On November 11, 2018, the Board appointed Erhard Schoewel, Board member and Chairman of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee, to serve as the lead independent director, effective immediately.






A copy of the press release announcing the departure of Mr. Pane and the appointments of Mr. Laubies, Mr. Harf and Mr. Schoewel is attached to this Current Report on Form 8-K as Exhibit 99.1. A copy of the press release is also available on its website at www.investors.coty.com, under the “Investor News” tab.

Item 8.01 Other Events.

On November 12, 2018, the Board announced its plans to initiate a search for two new independent directors to serve on the Board. In connection with such search, the Remuneration and Nomination Committee is expected to engage a nationally recognized director search firm to identify as promptly as practicable two highly qualified individuals with deep commercial and financial experience.

 
(d) Exhibits:
 
Exhibit No.
 
Description
10.1
 
 
Employment Agreement, dated November 12, 2018, between Coty Services UK Limited and Pierre Laubies.
99.1
 
 
Press release, dated November 12, 2018.








SIGNATURE
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
 
 
Coty Inc.
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
Date: November 13, 2018
By:
/s/Greerson G. McMullen
 
 
 
Greerson G. McMullen
 
 
 
Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Secretary
 






EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibit No.
 
Description
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
† Exhibit is a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.





November 12 th , 2018

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT dated as of November 12 th 2018, by and between Coty Services UK Limited, a company incorporated in England and Wales under registration number 325646 (the “ Company ”), and Pierre Laubies (the “ Executive” ).
WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive have agreed that Executive shall become an employee of the Company in order that the Company may provide the services of the Executive under a management services agreement between the Company and Coty Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Parent ”); and
WHEREAS, the Company and Executive mutually desire to set forth the other terms and conditions under which Executive will be employed by the Company beginning on the Commencement Date (as defined below).
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the parties agree as follows:
1.      Employment Term . Executive’s employment by the Company hereunder shall be for a period which shall commence on November 12, 2018, or such later date upon which this Agreement is approved by the Board of directors of the Parent (the “ Board ”) (such date hereinafter referred to as the “ Commencement Date ”) and shall continue until terminated in accordance with this Agreement (including, without limitation, the provisions of the document attached at Annex 1). The period commencing as of the Commencement Date and ending on the date on which the Executive’s employment terminates is hereinafter referred to as the “ Employment Term ”.
2.      Positions . During the Employment Term, Executive shall serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Parent and in such positions with the Parent, the Company or any other business entity, directly or indirectly, controlled by or under common control with the Parent (each, a “ Group Company ” and together the “ Group ”) as the Board shall reasonably direct the board of the Company to assign to the Executive. In such capacities, Executive shall carry out such duties appropriate to his status and exercise such powers in relation to, any applicable Group Company and each of their respective businesses as may from time to time be assigned to or vested in him by the Board. Executive shall perform his duties and responsibilities as Chief Executive Officer based in the Coty office in London, and shall travel as required by the Group’s business to other Group Company offices in New York, Paris, and Geneva, as and on such basis as the parties shall mutually agree; provided, however, that Executive shall not perform services from the United States or any other jurisdiction unless and until all necessary visas, work permits or other documentation to permit him lawfully to provide such services in such jurisdictions have been obtained. The Company may also require Executive to work on a temporary basis from any Group Company location and travel to such location as may be required for the performance of his duties. Executive will be required to keep a complete and accurate records of the time spent performing his duties under this Agreement, the nature of those duties, and the location from where such duties were performed. Executive shall devote his best efforts to the performance of his duties hereunder and shall not engage in any other business, profession or occupation for compensation or otherwise; provided, that nothing herein shall be deemed to preclude Executive from engaging in personal, charitable or civic activities or serving on the board of directors of a corporation or the equivalent governing body of another business entity that would





not violate the covenants contained in Annex 2 hereto as long as such activities, either individually or in the aggregate, do not interfere with the performance of his duties hereunder.
3.      Base Salary . During the Employment Term, the Company shall pay Executive a base salary (the “ Base Salary ”) at the annual rate of the equivalent of US$1,500,000 payable in pounds sterling (“ GBP ”), converted at an exchange rate equal to the average of the daily US$:GBP spot exchange rates published by the Bank of England on each business day beginning thirty (30) days prior to the Commencement Date and ending as of the business day immediately prior to the Commencement Day. The Base Salary shall be payable in arrears, in accordance with the usual payment practices of the Company. Salary shall be inclusive of any sums receivable (and shall abate by any sums received) by the Executive as director’s fees from any Group Company or otherwise arising from any office held by the Executive by virtue of his employment under this Agreement. Executive’s Base Salary shall be subject to periodic review by the Board, not less frequently than annually, for possible increase and any such increased rate will thereafter be the Base Salary for all purposes of this Agreement. Under no circumstances may the Base Salary be decreased during the Employment Term.
4.      Stock Purchase . Not later than December 31, 2018, Executive shall acquire, through open market purchases, the number of shares of Class A common stock of the Parent (“ Class A Common Stock ”) equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (i) US$20,000,000 (twenty million U.S. dollars) by (ii) the closing price of a share of Class A Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange as of the Grant Date (as defined below). The number of shares of Class A Common Stock to be acquired in accordance with this Section 4 is herein referred to as the “ Investment Target Amount ”.
5. Matching Award . Pursuant to the Coty Inc. Equity and Long-Term Incentive Plan, as in effect on the date hereof and as may be amended from the time to time, (the “ Plan ”) and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Subscription and Stock Option Agreement attached hereto as Annex 2, on or promptly following the Commencement Date, the Parent shall grant Executive the number of Stock Options (as defined in the Plan) equal to the three (3) times the Investment Target Amount. Upon vesting, each Stock Option shall give the Executive the right to purchase from the Company one (1) share of Class A Common Stock. The exercise price with respect to each share of Class A Common Stock subject to the Stock Options shall equal the Fair Market Value (as defined in the Plan) of a share of Class A Common Stock on the Grant Date (as defined in the Plan). Except as otherwise provided in the Subscription and Stock Option Agreement, the Stock Options shall vest and become exercisable on the following schedule, subject to the Executive’s continued employment with the Company through the applicable vesting date:
Third Anniversary of the Grant Date
60% of the Stock Options vest
Fourth Anniversary of the Grant Date
20% of the Stock Options vest
Fifth Anniversary of the Grant Date
20% of the Stock Options vest
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the equity award to be granted in accordance with this Section 5 may, subject to the mutual agreement of the Executive and the Board, be structured as an investment by the Executive in Series A Preferred Stock of the Parent having economics and terms and conditions substantially similar to the Stock Options as set forth above and in the Subscription and Stock Option Agreement.
6. Sign-On Restricted Stock Unit Award . Pursuant to the Plan and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement attached hereto as Annex 3, on or promptly





following the Commencement Date, the Parent shall grant Executive the number of Restricted Stock Units (as defined in the Plan) having a Fair Market Value as of the Grant Date equal to US$5,000,000 (five million U.S. dollars). Upon vesting, each Restricted Stock Unit shall give the Executive the right to receive one share of Class A Common Stock as set forth in the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement. Except as otherwise provided in the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, the Restricted Stock Units shall on the following schedule, subject to the Executive’s continued employment with the Company through the applicable vesting date:
Third Anniversary of the Grant Date
60% of the Restricted Stock Units vest
Fourth Anniversary of the Grant Date
20% of the Restricted Stock Units vest
Fifth Anniversary of the Grant Date
20% of the Restricted Stock Units vest
7. Executive Benefits . During the Employment Term, Executive shall be entitled to participate in the employee benefit plans generally made available to senior executives of the Group in the United Kingdom, including, without limitation, any pension plan and plans providing medical, dental, accidental death and disability and life insurance coverage, on, and in accordance with, the terms and conditions specified in such plans. The Executive shall be entitled to 25 vacation days in additional to public holidays per year subject to the terms and conditions of the Company’s standard vacation policies for its employees as in effect from time to time (the “ Vacation Policy ”), including, without limitation, such overall limitations on accrued but unused vacation as the Vacation Policy may provide. Executive shall also be provided with the use of a Company-provided automobile in accordance with the policy applicable to the use of Company-provided vehicles by senior executives of the Group or, at the election of Executive, be entitled to receive a car allowance of an amount calculated in accordance with such policy.
8.      Business Expenses . The Company shall reimburse such of Executive’s travel, entertainment and other business expenses as are reasonably and necessarily incurred by Executive during the Employment Term in the performance of his duties hereunder, in accordance with the Company’s policies as in effect from time to time.   Subject to any limitations and conditions that may apply at applicable law, Executive hereby authorizes the Company to deduct from any sums owing to him (including but not limited to salary and accrued holiday pay) the amount of any sums owing from the Executive to the Company at any time.
9.      Termination . Upon a termination of the Employment Term, Executive shall be entitled to the payments described in this Section 9. Capitalized terms in this Section 9 shall have the meaning given to them in the Plan.
(a)      For Cause by the Company; by Executive without Good Reason . The Employment Term may be terminated by the Company, subject to the provisions of this Section 9(a), for Cause or by Executive without Good Reason. If the Employment Term is terminated by the Company for Cause or by Executive without Good Reason, Executive shall be entitled to receive his Base Salary through the date of termination and any unreimbursed business expenses, payable promptly following the later of the date of such termination and the date on which the appropriate documentation is provided. The amounts payable under the immediately preceding sentence shall be called the “ Accrued Obligations .” Executive shall also be entitled to receive any other non-forfeitable benefits that may be payable following termination of the Employment Term pursuant to the express provisions of the plans, policies and practices of the Company applicable to Executive (the “ Vested Plan Benefits ”), which shall be payable at the time(s) determined in accordance with such plans, policies or practices.





(b)      Disability; Death . The Employment Term shall terminate upon Executive’s death or, at the Company’s election, if Executive incurs a Disability. In such event, the Company shall pay Executive, his estate or his duly designated beneficiaries, the Accrued Obligations and the Vested Plan Benefits.
(c)      By the Company without Cause; by Executive with Good Reason . The Employment Term may be terminated by the Company without Cause or by Executive with Good Reason subject to compliance with any statutory notice periods, and the notice period referred to in Annex 1, that may be applicable or payment in lieu thereof.  If the Employment Term is terminated by the Company without Cause or by Executive with Good Reason, subject to Executive’s continued compliance with the covenants set forth in Annex 1 hereto and execution of a general release having customary terms and conditions satisfactory to the Company, Executive shall receive (i) the Accrued Obligations, (ii) the Vested Plan Benefits, (iii) continued payment of the Executive’s Base Salary for one (1) year following the end of the Employment Term (or, in the event of termination of the Employment Term by Executive for Good Reason following a Change in Control, two (2) years following the end of the Employment Term) (the “ Severance Benefit ”), (iv) payment by the Company of Executive’s cost to continue participation in the Group’s medical plans until the earlier of (A) the end of the period over which the Severance Benefit is payable and (B) such time as Executive is eligible to receive comparable welfare benefits from a subsequent employer, and (v) any unreimbursed business expenses, payable promptly following the later of the date of such termination and the date on which the appropriate documentation is provided.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any Severance Benefits payable under this Section 9(c) will be reduced by an amount equal to (i) compensation to which the Executive may be awarded in respect of a claim brought by him for unfair or constructive dismissal or/and any other compensatory payments that might be awarded to him by any court or tribunal of competent jurisdiction; (ii) any additional compensation which the Executive may be awarded in any other country in which he works as a result of the termination of his employment or directorship with any Group Company and (iii) any payment in lieu of notice.
(d)      Notice of Termination . Where notice of termination has been served by either party the Company may in its absolute discretion require Executive to take “Garden Leave” for all or any part of the notice period. If the Executive is asked to take Garden Leave he may not attend at his place of work or any of the premises of any Group Company. Executive may be required not to carry out any duties during the remaining period of employment. Executive may be asked to resign immediately from any offices he holds with the Company or any Group Company. During Garden Leave, Executive may not without prior written permission of the Company contact or attempt to contact any client, customer, supplier, agent, professional adviser, broker or banker of any Group Company or any employee (save for personal reasons) of any Group Company. During any period of Garden Leave Executive will continue to receive full salary and benefits and all of the obligations that Executive has to the Company under this Agreement and at common law remain in full force and effect.
(e)      Resignation from Positions Upon Termination . Unless otherwise agreed upon in writing by the Company and Executive, upon the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive shall be deemed to have resigned, without any further action by Executive, from any and all positions (including, but not limited to, any officer and/or director positions or positions as a fiduciary of any of the Group’s employee benefit plans) that Executive, immediately prior to such termination, (i) held within the Group and (ii) held with any other entities at the direction of, or as a result of Executive’s affiliation with, the Group. If for any reason this Section 9(e) is deemed to be insufficient to effectuate such resignations, then Executive shall, upon the Company’s request, execute any documents or instruments that the





Company may deem necessary or desirable to effectuate such resignations.
10.      Restrictive Covenants . On or prior to the Commencement Date, Executive shall enter into the Company’s standard restrictive covenant agreement for senior executives contained in the Confidentiality, Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Deed attached hereto as Annex 1 and comply with all other provisions of such deed. Participation, and continued participation, in the Group long-term incentive plan(s) and other equity plans is subject to the execution of such agreement, a copy of which has been given to Executive.
11.      Indemnification . Executive shall be entitled to indemnification by the Company in accordance with the provisions of the Parent’s certificate of incorporation, bylaws, actions of the Board, as the same shall be in effect from time to time and to the extent permitted by law, and Executive shall be entitled to the protection of any insurance policies any Group Company may elect to maintain generally for the benefit of its officers and directors.
12.      Miscellaneous .
(a)      Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
(b)      Entire Agreement . This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, including, without limitation, the employment of Executive by the Company, and supersedes any prior oral or written agreements between, by or among the Parent, the Company and Executive. There are no restrictions, agreements, promises, warranties, covenants or undertakings between the parties with respect to the subject matter herein other than those expressly set forth herein and therein. No provision in this Agreement may be amended unless such amendment is agreed to in writing and signed by the Executive and the Company.
(c)      No Waiver . The failure of a party to insist upon strict adherence to any term of this Agreement on any occasion shall not be considered a waiver of such party’s rights or deprive such party of the right thereafter to insist upon strict adherence to that term or any other term of this Agreement. No waiver by either party of any breach by the other party of any condition or provision contained in this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of a similar or dissimilar condition or provision at the same or any prior or subsequent time. Any waiver must be in writing and signed by the Executive or the Company, as the case may be.
(d)      Severability . It is expressly understood and agreed that although Executive and the Company consider the restrictions contained in Annex 1 to be reasonable, if a final judicial determination is made by a court of competent jurisdiction that the time or territory restriction or any other restriction contained in Annex 1 is an unenforceable restriction against Executive, such provision shall not be rendered void but shall be deemed amended to apply to such maximum time and territory, if applicable, or otherwise to such maximum extent as such court may judicially determine or indicate to be enforceable. Alternatively, if any court of competent jurisdiction finds that any restriction contained in Annex 1 is unenforceable, and such restriction cannot be amended so as to make it enforceable, such finding shall not affect the enforceability of any of the other restrictions contained therein. In the event that any one or more of the other provisions of this Agreement shall be or become invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.





(e)      Assignment . This Agreement is for the performance of personal services by Executive and may not be assigned by Executive without the consent of the Company. The Company may assign its rights and delegate its duties hereunder in whole or in part to any transferee of all or a portion of the assets or business to which Executive’s employment relates.
(f)      Mitigation . Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment or benefit to be provided pursuant to Section 9 by seeking other employment or otherwise and, except to the extent expressly set forth in Section 9, no such amount shall be subject to offset due to compensation provided to Executive by another employer.
(g)      Successors . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees of the parties hereto. The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. The Executive shall be entitled to select (and change, to the extent permitted under any applicable law) a beneficiary or beneficiaries to receive any compensation or benefit payable hereunder following the Executive’ death by giving the Company written notice thereof. In the event of the Executive’s death or a judicial determination of his incompetence, reference in this Agreement to the Executive shall be deemed, where appropriate, to refer to his beneficiary, estate or other legal representative.
(h)      Communications . For the purpose of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when faxed or delivered or two business days after being posted by registered post, addressed (A) to the Executive at his address then appearing in the personnel records of the Company and (B) to the Chairman of the Company at the Company’s then current head office, with a copy to the Parent’s general counsel, or (C) to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, with such notice of change of address being effective only upon receipt.
(i)      Withholding Taxes . Each Group Company may withhold from any and all amounts payable and other benefits receivable under this Agreement or otherwise as a result of the Executive’s employment such national, local and any other applicable taxes and national insurance contributions and other social charges or taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation. Executive shall indemnify the Company for itself and on behalf of each Group Company in relation to any national, local and any other applicable taxes and national insurance contributions and other social charges or taxes not already deducted from the Executive’s remuneration (or any taxes replacing the same) for which the Company or any Group Company has an obligation at any time to account (whether during the Executive’s employment by the Company or after the termination of the Employment Term) in relation to Executive and authorizes each Group Company to deduct any indemnified amount from any amount otherwise payable to Executive.
(j)      Survivorship . The respective rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall survive any termination of Executive’s employment to the extent necessary to the agreed preservation of such rights and obligations.
(k)      Representations . Each party represents and warrants to the other that he or it is fully authorized and empowered to enter into this Agreement and that the performance of his or its obligations





under this Agreement will not violate any agreement between his or it and any other person or entity. Executive represents that to the best of his knowledge, he is not a party to, involved in, or under investigation in connection with, any pending or threatened litigation, proceeding or investigation, whether governmental or otherwise that would materially and adversely affect the business or reputation of any Group Company. Executive has not engaged in misconduct or breach of duty that would, if disclosed, result in injury or reputational harm to any Group Company, and Executive will not engage in any such misconduct during the term of this Agreement.
(l)      Dispute Resolution . Any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement or Executive’s employment with the Company that cannot be mutually resolved by the parties to this Agreement and their respective advisors and representatives shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of England and Wales. Each party hereto hereby irrevocably accepts and submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts for purposes hereof.
(m)      Compliance with Section 409A . This Agreement shall be interpreted to avoid any penalty sanctions under Section 409A of the United States Internal Revenue Code (“ Section 409A ”). If any payment or benefit cannot be provided or made at the time specified herein without incurring sanctions under Section 409A, then such benefit or payment shall be provided in full at the earliest time thereafter when such sanctions will not be imposed. For purposes of Section 409A, all payments to be made upon a termination of employment under this Agreement may only be made upon a “separation from service” under Section 409A, each payment made under this Agreement shall be treated as a separate payment and the right to a series of installment payments under this Agreement is to be treated as a right to a series of separate payments. In no event shall the Executive, directly or indirectly, designate the calendar year of payment.
All reimbursements and in-kind benefits provided under this Agreement shall be made or provided in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A, including, where applicable, the requirement that (i) any reimbursement is for expenses incurred during the Executive’s lifetime (or during a shorter period of time specified in this Agreement), (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided, during a calendar year may not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other calendar year, (iii) the reimbursement of an eligible expense is made on or before the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense is incurred, and (iv) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.
To the extent payment of any amounts or benefits under this Agreement is conditioned upon Executive’s execution of a general release of claims in favor of the Parent, the Company and/or any Group Company, such release must be executed, returned to the Company and become irrevocable within the period that is no later than sixty (60) days following the termination of the Employment Term.  To the extent that the period for consideration of such a release spans two (2) calendar years, no payment of any amount or benefit that is considered to be nonqualified deferred compensation within the meaning of Section 409A and conditioned upon the release shall be made before the first day of the second calendar year, regardless of when the release is actually executed and returned to the Company.
(n)      Delay in Payment . Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, if at the time of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company (or any successor thereto), the Company (or any corporation, partnership, joint venture, organization or entity within the Company’s controlled group within the meaning of Sections 414(b) and (c) of the Internal Revenue Code) has





securities which are publicly-traded on an established securities market and the Executive is a “specified employee” (as defined in Section 409A and determined in the sole discretion of the Company, or any successor thereto, in accordance with the Company’s, or any successor’s, “specified employee” determination policy) and it is necessary to postpone the commencement of any severance payments or deferred compensation otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement as a result of such termination of employment to prevent any accelerated or additional tax under Section 409A, then the Company (or any successor thereto) will postpone the commencement of the payment of any such payments or benefits hereunder (without any reduction in such payments or benefits ultimately paid or provided to the Executive) that are not otherwise paid within the short-term deferral exception under Section 409A and are in excess of the lesser of two (2) times (i) the Executive’s then-annual compensation or (ii) the limit on compensation then set forth in Section 401(a)(17) of the United States Internal Revenue Code, until the first payroll date that occurs after the date that is six (6) months following the Executive’s “separation from service” with the Company (or any successor thereto), as defined under Section 409A. If any payments are postponed due to such requirements, such postponed amounts will be paid in a lump sum to the Executive on the first payroll date that occurs after the date that is six (6) months following the Executive’s “separation from service” with the Company (or any successor thereto), and any amounts payable to the Executive after the expiration of such six (6)-month period under this Agreement shall continue to be paid to Executive in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. If the Executive dies during the postponement period prior to the payment of the postponed amount, the amounts withheld on account of Section 409A shall be paid to the personal representative of the Executive’s estate within sixty (60) days after the date of the Executive’s death.
(o)      Clawback . All compensation and benefits hereunder shall be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture or recoupment to the extent necessary to comply with (1) any clawback, forfeiture or other similar policy adopted by the Board or a duly authorized committee of the Board, as in effect from time to time, and (2) applicable law.  In addition, if Executive receives any amount in excess of the amount that Executive should have otherwise received under the terms of this Agreement or any compensation or benefit plans of the Group for any reason (including, without limitation, by reason of a financial restatement, mistake in calculations or other administrative error), the Board or a duly authorized committee of the Board may provide that Executive shall be required to repay any such excess amount.
(p)      Data Protection . Executive acknowledges the holding and processing of personal data provided by him to the Company for all purposes relating to this employment, including but not limited to administering and maintaining personnel records, paying and reviewing salary and other remuneration and benefits, undertaking performance appraisals and reviews, maintaining sickness and other absence records and taking decisions as to fitness for work. The Company may make such information available to any Group Company, those who provide products or services to any Group Company (such as advisers and payroll administrators), regulatory authorities, potential purchasers of the Company or the business in which the Executive works, and as may be required by law. The Executive acknowledges the transfer of such information to any Group Company and any Group Company's business contacts outside the European Economic Area in order to further their business interests even where the country or territory in question does not maintain adequate data protection standards. Executive further acknowledges and agrees that the Company may, in the course of its duties as an employer, be required to disclose personal data relating to him, after the end of his employment. This does not affect Executive’s rights under the Data Protection Act 2018.
(q)      Working Time Regulations . Executive and the Company each agree that the nature of Executive’s position is such that his working time cannot be measured, that in accordance with Regulation





5 of the Working Time Regulations 1998 the provisions of Regulation 4(1) do not apply to Executive, and that Executive’s appointment hereunder falls within the scope of Regulation 20 of the Working Time Regulations 1998. Executive shall give the Company three months’ notice in writing if he wishes Regulation 4(1) to apply to him.
(r)      Third Party Rights . Save as expressly provided in this Agreement, a person who is not a party to this agreement has no right under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any term of this Agreement. Executive will, at the request of the Company, enter into a separate agreement with any entity within the Group that the Company may require under the terms of which he will agree to be bound by provisions of this Agreement and the document attached at Annex 1 which are to the benefit of such other entity.
(s)      Tax Election . the Participant irrevocably agrees to enter into such tax elections including (without limitation) a joint election, under section 431(1) or section 431(2) of Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003, in respect of the acquisition, holding or disposal of any shares of securities, in such form and within such time limits as may be required by the Company.
(t)      Counterparts . This Agreement may be signed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument. Delivery of a counterpart of this Agreement by e-mail attachment shall be an effective mode of delivery.
(u)      Headings . The headings of the sections contained in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be deemed to control or affect the meaning or construction of any provision of this Agreement. Any reference to the Executive in the masculine gender herein is for convenience and is not intended to express any preference by the Company for executives of any gender.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 COTY SERVICES UK LIMITED
 
Pierre LAUBIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By: /s/Sebastien Froidefond
 
/s/Pierre Laubies
 
 
 
 
 
 Name: Sebastien Froidefond
 
 
 
 
 Title: CHRO
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


















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COTY ANNOUNCES NEW CEO AND BOARD CHANGES


New York - November 12, 2018 - Coty Inc. (NYSE: COTY) today announced the resignation of Camillo Pane, current CEO of Coty, for family reasons and the appointment of Pierre Laubies as the new CEO of Coty, effective immediately.

Bart Becht, Chairman of Coty, said: “We are very grateful for Camillo’s many contributions to Coty during his time as CEO. His leadership was critically important during Coty’s integration of the P&G Specialty Beauty Business. Following the transaction, Camillo greatly accelerated the growth of the Luxury and Professional businesses, built a much stronger management team and delivered on the synergy commitments associated with the transaction. We are all very thankful for Camillo’s valued service, his exemplary leadership and his passion for beauty and Coty’s brands and people over the last years.”

This also announces the appointment of Pierre Laubies as a director of Coty, effective immediately. Pierre has a wealth of operational and financial experience in the consumer packaged goods industry gained from his time at both Mars and Jacobs Douwe Egberts (JDE). Until recently, Pierre was CEO of JDE, a leading player in the global coffee category. At JDE, he successfully integrated the ex Mondelez coffee business fully realizing the associated synergies and reducing the debt burden of the JDE company.

The Board today is commencing a renewal process to bring new perspectives to the company and strengthen independent director representation. Specifically, the Board has agreed and started a process to add two new independent Board members with deep commercial and financial experience. In addition, Peter Harf is taking over the Chairman role from Bart Becht effective immediately and the Board has decided to appoint Erhard Schoewel as its Lead Independent Director.


About Coty
Coty is one of the world’s largest beauty companies with over $9 billion in revenue, an iconic portfolio of brands and a purpose to celebrate and liberate the diversity of consumers’ beauty. We believe the beauty of humanity lies in the individuality of its people; beauty is at its best when authentic; and beauty should make you feel happy, never sad. As the global leader in fragrance, a strong number two in professional salon hair color & styling, and number three in color cosmetics, Coty operates three divisions: Consumer Beauty, which is focused on mass color cosmetics, mass retail hair coloring and styling products, body care and mass fragrances with brands such as COVERGIRL, Max Factor, Bourjois and Rimmel; Luxury, which is focused on prestige fragrances and skincare with brands such as Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs, Hugo Boss, Gucci and philosophy; and Professional Beauty, which is focused on servicing salon owners and professionals in both hair and nail, with brands such as Wella Professionals, Sebastian Professional, OPI and ghd. Coty has 20,000 colleagues globally and its products are sold in over 150 countries. Coty and its brands are committed to a range of social causes as well as seeking to minimize its impact on the environment.






For additional information about Coty Inc., please visit www.coty.com.


CONTACTS

Investor Relations
Christina Frank
+1 212-389-7300
christina_frank@cotyinc.com

Media Relations
Jennifer Friedman
+1 917-754- 8399
Jennifer_Friedman@cotyinc.com

Esra Erkal-Paler
+44 7771 740 311
Esra_Erkal-Paler@cotyinc.com