SiriusXM Taps PVH Corp. CFO Zac Coughlin to Drive Profitability Amid Streaming Wars

SiriusXM Taps PVH Corp. CFO Zac Coughlin to Drive Profitability Amid Streaming Wars

SiriusXM has appointed Zac Coughlin as its new CFO, effective January 2026. The move comes as the company refocuses on core subscription growth and seeks to optimize cash flow in a competitive audio landscape.

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SiriusXM Taps PVH Corp. CFO Zac Coughlin to Drive Profitability Amid Streaming Wars

NEW YORK, NY – November 18, 2025

SiriusXM Announces Leadership Transition

Sirius XM Holdings Inc. today announced the appointment of Zac Coughlin as Chief Financial Officer, effective January 1, 2026. Coughlin will succeed Tom Barry, who is stepping down at the end of 2025 after nearly two years as CFO and a fourteen-year tenure with the company. The appointment signals a strategic shift for SiriusXM as it navigates an increasingly competitive audio entertainment market and focuses on bolstering financial performance.

Coughlin's Experience and Strategic Implications

Coughlin brings nearly 30 years of financial experience to SiriusXM, most recently serving as CFO of PVH Corp, the global fashion company behind brands like Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger. His previous roles include Group CFO and COO at DFS, a subsidiary of LVMH, and CFO at Converse, a division of Nike. This extensive background in consumer-facing industries is expected to be valuable as SiriusXM emphasizes core subscription growth and explores opportunities to optimize cash flow.

“He brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of financial leadership,” said one industry analyst, speaking on background. “His experience at PVH, navigating global supply chains and managing complex financial structures, will be particularly useful as SiriusXM aims to streamline operations and maximize shareholder value.”

SiriusXM is currently undertaking a strategic reset, focusing on strengthening its core automotive subscriber base and driving efficiency across the organization. The company has identified significant cost savings opportunities and is prioritizing cash flow generation. Coughlin’s expertise in financial planning, analysis, and investor relations will be critical to executing this plan. He will be instrumental in evaluating the effectiveness of SiriusXM’s renewed strategic focus, including its efforts to optimize pricing, leverage advertising revenue, and explore potential monetization strategies for its spectrum holdings.

Navigating a Competitive Landscape and Streaming Challenges

The appointment comes at a crucial time for SiriusXM. The audio entertainment market is fiercely competitive, with major players like Spotify, Apple Music, and iHeartMedia vying for market share. While SiriusXM maintains a strong position in satellite radio and has expanded into streaming with its Pandora acquisition, it faces challenges from larger, well-funded streaming platforms.

The company is adapting to these challenges by doubling down on its in-car entertainment experience, a key differentiator in the market. SiriusXM's 360L platform is being integrated into an increasing number of vehicles, offering personalized content and connected services. However, it is also critical to enhance profitability and improve its margin structure. The focus is on retaining existing subscribers while attracting new ones with compelling content and innovative features.

“The streaming wars are relentless, and it’s not just about subscriber numbers; it’s about profitability,” a source close to SiriusXM shared. “The company needs to demonstrate to investors that it can deliver consistent financial results in this competitive environment, and Coughlin’s appointment is a clear signal that they are committed to achieving that goal.”

Barry's Legacy and a Smooth Transition

Tom Barry’s departure marks the end of a fourteen-year run with SiriusXM, including nearly two years as CFO. He played a key role in guiding the company through significant transformations, including the merger of Sirius and XM, the acquisition of Pandora, and the ongoing integration of connected vehicle services. Barry also spearheaded organizational transformation and cost optimization initiatives.

SiriusXM officials have emphasized a smooth transition, highlighting Barry’s commitment to ensuring a seamless handover to Coughlin. The company has expressed confidence in Coughlin’s ability to build on Barry’s legacy and lead the finance organization into the future.

“Tom has been a steady hand during a period of rapid change, and we are grateful for his contributions,” one company insider stated. “Zac is a highly respected financial leader, and we are excited to welcome him to the team.”

SiriusXM is currently reaffirming its full-year 2025 guidance, projecting approximately $8.525 billion in revenue and $2.625 billion in adjusted EBITDA. The company is also targeting free cash flow conversion of approximately 44% and plans to reduce debt by approximately $700 million by year-end. Coughlin will be tasked with maintaining this financial momentum and driving continued improvement in key performance indicators.

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