 |
“Building on my 20 years with Diageo, managing businesses across four continents, I feel privileged to be putting my experience to work today to best serve Firmenich and all its stakeholders.“ |
Gilbert Ghostine Chief Executive Officer Firmenich |
Firmenich, the leading Swiss company in the fragrance and flavour business, has appointed former Diageo President Asia Pacific Gilbert Ghostine as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 October.
Ghostine succeeds Patrick Firmenich who, after more than 12 years at the head of the company, has announced his desire to hand over the CEO position while taking on increased responsibilities at the Board level.
Firmenich has been named Vice Chairman, effective October 2014. To ensure an orderly transition, he will assist Ghostine through to the end of January 2015, while taking on his new role as Vice Chairman of the Board.
Firmenich Board Chairman Yves Boisdron commented: “We are very pleased to welcome Gilbert. He is a great talent with significant international and high growth market experience, having held senior leadership roles with Diageo in the US, Europe, Africa, Middle East and most recently Asia Pacific.
“He brings to the company an extensive track record in leading business growth across complex markets and a deep understanding of how to combine creativity and innovation to create engaging consumer experiences. He has all the qualities necessary to build on Patrick’s achievements. We are delighted that he has agreed to join our company and to lead Firmenich into the next stage of its development.”
Boisdron continued: “At the same time, we are honoured that Patrick Firmenich will continue to serve the company as Vice Chairman of the Board. Since joining the group in 1990, Patrick has had a stellar career at Firmenich. With his unyielding entrepreneurial spirit, he pushed the company to be bold in its creativity and innovation. Liked and admired in equal measure, Patrick leaves an outstanding record on which to build.”
Firmenich said: “Twelve years ago when I set out to lead Firmenich, my vision was to keep our unique spirit of creativity and innovation alive, while operating according to the highest standards of governance and ethics. When I see the company’s performance today, I believe this stage of my work is largely complete. So now is the right time to hand over my current responsibilities.”
Ghostine added: “I am very excited to be leading a new chapter in the history of this great company. I look forward to working with Yves, Patrick and my new Firmenich colleagues around the world to best honour the Group’s unique legacy while reinforcing its leadership in the fragrance and flavour industry. Building on my 20 years with Diageo, managing businesses across four continents, I feel privileged to be putting my experience to work today to best serve Firmenich and all its stakeholders.”
