Observed Signal · Apr 30, 2026 · Hiring · Source: Manager Magazin · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Puma hires ex‑Hugo Boss boss Mark Langer as CFO
Puma appointed Mark Langer as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately, replacing Markus Neubrand. Langer, 57, previously served as CEO of Hugo Boss and as finance chief at Douglas, where he helped take the company back to the stock market. Puma’s management says Langer’s track record should help restore profitable growth. The company also reported better Q1 operating results: EBIT rose 20% to €51.9 million, currency‑adjusted revenue fell 1% to €1.86 billion, and gross margin improved to 47.7%. Puma reiterated guidance for a slight to mid‑single‑digit full‑year revenue decline and forecast an EBIT loss of €50–150 million as part of an efficiency plan including about 900 job cuts.
Corporate leadership change at a major global brand with accompanying quarterly financials and restructuring plans may affect marketing and commercial strategies but is not an industry‑shifting AdTech/MarTech event.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Mark Langer named Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Puma, effective immediately.
- Langer replaces Markus Neubrand as Puma’s CFO.
- Langer previously served as CEO at Hugo Boss and as CFO at Douglas.
- Puma Q1: EBIT up 20% to €51.9 million; currency‑adjusted revenue €1.86 billion (‑1%); gross margin 47.7%.
- Puma expects FY revenue to decline a low to mid single‑digit percentage and forecasts an EBIT loss of €50–150 million; an efficiency program will cut ~900 jobs.
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