The board of directors at Ontex has named Laurent Nielly as the company’s next CEO, effective at the end of Gustavo Calvo Paz’s mandate as CEO at Ontex’s next annual shareholders’ meeting, on May 5, 2026.

Since 2021, Nielly has been president of Ontex’s Europe Division, leading our retailer brands and healthcare business across Europe.  Prior to that, Nielly led Ontex’s business in Brazil.  In total, he brings more than 25 years of experience earned in Europe, the U.S. and Latin America and across companies such as P&G, McKinsey & Company, PepsiCo and Coty. He started his professional career in finance and strategy, and developed expertise in innovation and commercial excellence in addition to holding P&L responsibilities. 

The board expressex its sincere gratitude to Mr. Calvo Paz for his contributions to Ontex, both as CEO and – before that – as director. During his tenure as CEO, Calvo Paz led the implementation of Ontex’s strategic transformation, with the divestment of its non-core activities and the optimization of its operational footprint and product portfolio. In doing so, Ontex took significant steps towards future-proofing its organization, with full focus on its business in Europe and North America. 

Hans Van Bylen, Chairman of the Board, says: “Under the leadership of Gustavo Calvo Paz, we have accelerated our strategic reorientation and have taken significant steps to strengthen our business and operations. The Board of Directors believes that Laurent Nielly is the right person to build on Gustavo’s accomplishments and lead Ontex in accelerating its value creation. The board and I look forward to working together with Laurent and the management team to achieve that ambition.”