Observed Signal · Oct 14, 2026 · Market Signal · Source: DOUGLAS Group · Impact: 4/5
Jean-Marc Bellaiche to become new CEO of the DOUGLAS Group - Sander van der Laan to retire
Jean-Marc Bellaiche will become the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Europe's leading premium beauty retailer, the DOUGLAS Group. He succeeds Sander van der Laan, who, after a career of 36 years in the international retail business including four years with the DOUGLAS Group, has decided to retire as an executive. The Supervisory Board of Douglas AG today appointed Jean-Marc Bellaiche as CEO with effect from 1 November 2026 for a term of four years.
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Douglas shifts to digital after weak core markets
Douglas Group reported weaker Q3 2025/26 results as demand softened in key Western European markets and price competition intensified. April–June revenue fell 2.0% to €987.8m and adjusted EBITDA declined 19.4% to €127.5m (margin 12.9%). Nine-month revenue rose slightly (+0.5% to €3.61bn) while adjusted EBITDA fell 9.0% to €577.3m. The company confirmed its full-year guidance for 2025/26 and said it will increase its digital focus, review and rationalize its store network, expand exclusive brands and cross-channel services, and standardize group-wide structures. E‑commerce trends vary regionally (double-digit growth in parts of Southern/Central Europe and France but declines in DACHNL), Retail Media revenue grew 24%, and Click & Collect Express usage rose. Douglas plans to present a strategy update (“Let it Bloom”) in Q4 2026 emphasizing technology, e‑commerce, cross‑channel services, and a more profitable store footprint.
DOUGLAS Group expands Gift Card business with new self-service B2B Gift Card shop
The DOUGLAS Group launches a new self-service B2B Gift Card shop in Germany, making corporate gifting more convenient for business customers; international roll-out planned. The new platform is part of the Group's broader strategy to further expand its Gift Card business across three complementary sales channels.
Managing Director Anne Zimmermann to Leave Niche Beauty
Niche Beauty, a subsidiary of Douglas, will see a reduction in its leadership team after Managing Director Anne Zimmermann announces she will leave the company at the end of the year. The personnel change was reported by Lebensmittelzeitung (DFV Mediengruppe) on July 15, 2026. The brief article notes the split but does not provide details about a successor or reasons for the departure.
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