Published on: July 1, 2026
Gary Coombe has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer of Procter & Gamble’s Global Grooming Business, concluding his leadership of the division ahead of his retirement from the company in September after an accomplished 40-year career.
Coombe announced his departure through a LinkedIn post, describing his decision to retire as one of the easiest choices he had made during his four decades with Procter & Gamble. He said he believed the timing was right for new leadership while looking forward to spending more time with family, friends, personal projects and board responsibilities.
“The time was right for someone else to have a go and there is so much waiting for me in retirement with family, friends, passion projects and board roles,” he wrote.
Reflecting on his final weeks at the company, Coombe expressed appreciation to colleagues across the Gillette organisation for their support and for making his farewell memorable.
As part of the leadership transition, Juliana Azevedo will take over responsibility for leading Gillette and P&G Grooming.
Speaking about his successor, Coombe said: “I am thrilled to be passing the torch to Juliana Azevedo. Ju is an outstanding leader and the perfect person to lead Gillette and P&G Grooming into the future. She is a passionate brand-builder, a razor-sharp mind, a kind and empathetic leader, and she will bring boundless energy and enthusiasm with brilliant creativity to her work every day. Together with the incredible P&G Gillette team, I know you will write the next great chapter in this company’s proud history.”
Throughout his 40-year tenure at Procter & Gamble, Coombe held several senior leadership positions before taking charge of the company’s Global Grooming Business, overseeing globally recognised brands including Gillette. His retirement will officially take effect in September, bringing to a close four decades of leadership and contribution to the organisation.
