Rémy Cointreau has confirmed the appointment of Franck Marilly as its new chief executive, as global trade pressures on the company mount.

Marilly is set to take over the French spirit giant on 25 June 2025, following the planned departure of Éric Vallat.

The incoming new boss brings more than 30 years of experience in luxury and cosmetics, including senior leadership roles at Chanel, Unilever, and most recently Shiseido, where he was President and CEO of the EMEA region and global fragrance division.

Marilly joins the French spirits group at a challenging time, as it looks to revive growth following an 18% drop in organic sales last year.

The business says the decline was mainly due to weak demand in China, where issues such as an ongoing anti-dumping investigation and low consumer confidence have hit the company’s flagship Rémy Martin cognac brand.

It seemed sales in the US had rebounded, however the company now faces pressure from renewed trade tensions and the possibility of fresh tariffs on European imports. Cognac accounts for more than two-thirds of the company’s turnover, making these markets critical to its performance.

In a statement, the company said Marilly would work closely with Vallat in the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition, with board of directors chairwoman  Marie-Amélie de Leusse thanking Vallat for his “commitment to this transition to ensure continuity and the success of our organisations”.

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“We are delighted to welcome Franck Marilly. His in-depth knowledge of international environments, his successful track record, and his inspiring leadership will be key assets that will enable him to meet the challenges ahead,” she said.

“Recognized for his people-oriented management and corporate culture, Franck Marilly will be committed to valuing the diversity of our employees and their potential, while guiding them towards collective performance. We are convinced that he will bring a new dynamic and will be able to confidently address the new challenges of the Group’s growth in a complex macroeconomic and geopolitical context.

Rémy Cointreau added that under Marilly’s leadership, the group would continue to develop its brand portfolio, reinforce its position in key markets, and expand into new territories. The strategy includes focusing on value over volume and introducing new innovations to attract a broader global audience.

Franck Marilly said: “I am delighted to join the Rémy Cointreau Group, whose values resonate closely with my own. Originally from the south-west of France, I have a deep attachment to the land and the values of authenticity.

“Rémy Cointreau is today recognized for its unique centuries-old heritage and its portfolio of exceptional brands. I will leverage my experience to pursue its value strategy and support the teams in a dynamic of sustainable performance. Together, we will continue to accelerate the Group’s development, capitalizing in particular on the excellence of its know-how and its capacity for innovation, while meeting the expectations of a constantly evolving sector.”