Fashion giant, Firmenich has recently appointed Gilbert Ghostine as its new Chief Executive Officer.
After serving as President of Asia Pacific at Diageo, Gilbert Ghostine becomes Chief Executive Officer of Firmenich. He succeeded Patrick Firmenich, who has now taken up the role of Vice Chairman of the Board.
After more than 12 years at the head of the company, Patrick Firmenich announced his desire to retire from his position as the CEO. Upon accepting his request, the Board of Firmenich appointed Gilbert Ghostine as Group Chief Executive Officer, effective from October 1st, 2014.
To ensure an orderly transition, Patrick Firmenich will assist Gilbert Ghostine through to the end of January 2015, while taking on his new role as Vice Chairman of the Board at the Firmenich General Assembly on October 7th, 2014.
Yves Boisdron, Chairman of the Board of Firmenich said, “We are very pleased to welcome Gilbert. He has all the qualities necessary to build on Patrick’s achievements. ”
“At the same time, we are honoured that Patrick Firmenich will continue to serve the company as Vice Chairman of the Board. Liked and admired in equal measure, Patrick leaves an outstanding record on which to build”.
Patrick 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. 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.”
Gilbert Ghostine also said: “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 twenty 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.”
Firmenich is the world’s largest privately-owned company in the fragrance and flavour business, and ranks number two worldwide. Founded in Geneva, Switzerland in 1895, the company has created some of the world’s best-known perfumes and flavours that are used by many people around the world. Each year, the organisation invests around 10% of its turnover in R&D, reflecting its continuous desire to understand, share and sublimate the best that nature has to offer.
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