L'Occitane Group cuts MD role as it appoints new CEO

L'Occitane Group has appointed Laurent Marteau as its new CEO, helping to strengthen its transformation into a "geographically balanced, multi-brand group".

Marteau has served as Managing Director of L'Occitane Group since September 2022. Prior to this, he worked at La Prairie Group as Vice President for the EMEA region.

He has also worked for LVMH in various senior management roles, including Worldwide Travel Retail Director.

The new appointment marks an evolution in L'Occitane Group's leadership structure, combining the responsibilities of CEO and Managing Director into one role, effective 1 April 2024.

To achieve this, André Hoffmann will step down as CEO. Hoffmann has been acting as Vice-Chairman of the L'Occitane Group since 2016 and took on the role of CEO in 2021.

He will remain an Executive Director and continue to focus on strategic, policy and leadership matters within the company.

Reinold Geiger, Chairman of the L'Occitane Group, said: "As our group grows, we need to evolve.

"Laurent embodies our entrepreneurial mindset and deep commitment to people and nature. His in-depth knowledge of the global market, combined with an inclusive leadership style, makes him a strong CEO to bring together a multi-brand and multicultural group delivering value for all our stakeholders.

"I want to thank André, my business partner of almost 30 years, for his leadership during his time as CEO.

"In recent years he has led the company towards its strategic objectives, including its geographical expansion, and has been instrumental in the successful acquisition and integration of new brands such as ELEMIS, Sol de Janeiro and Grown Alchemist."

The appointment follows the acquisition of Italian luxury fragrance brand Dr. Vranjes Firenze by L'Occitane Group. The transaction is expected to be completed at the end of Q1 2024.

Dr. Vranjes Firenze will join L'Occitane Group's existing portfolio of global brands, including L'Occitane en Provence, Elemis, Sol de Janerior and Grown Alchemist, amongst others.