Firmenich, the world's leading private fragrance and flavor company, appoints Sarah Reisinger as Chief Research Officer, effective July 1, 2021. Dr. Reisinger will report to Group CEO Gilbert Ghostine as a member of his executive team, having most recently held the position of Senior Vice President of Research Operations. She succeeds Professor Geneviève Berger, who will remain as strategic advisor to the CEO, before retiring on December 31, 2021.
In his new role, Dr. Reisinger will lead Firmenich to new frontiers of scientific excellence, drawing on the Group's capital in cutting-edge innovation.
"Sarah brings a unique combination of world-class experience in research and development management, both in start-ups and large corporations, with a strong background in biotechnology, augmented discovery and open innovation. I'm very proud to welcome her to my management team."said Gilbert Ghostine. "Firmenich is shaping the future of fragrance and taste, and this next-generation appointment demonstrates our commitment to providing our customers with cutting-edge technology and sustainable solutions that meet ever-changing consumer needs."
"I'm enthusiastic about leading scientific research in changing fields and integrating new technologies, based on our heritage of scientific excellence." said Dr. Reisinger. "Our team's multidisciplinary and global approach to innovation in fragrance, taste and ingredients are huge assets in offering revolutionary solutions to our customers."
"I would like to warmly thank Professor Berger for successfully expanding the scope of our R&D activity and championing white biotechnology. Under his leadership, we expanded research and strengthened our global footprint in science with new R&D centers, targeted acquisitions, and were the first to commercialize AI-generated solutions in fragrances and flavors."said Gilbert Ghostine. "I will continue to draw on his world-class scientific and business expertise over the coming months."
Dr. Reisinger has extensive expertise in the field of biotechnology as well as solid experience in the development of ingredients and technologies for the consumer goods sector. Before joining Firmenich in 2018 as VP Biotechnology and Process Engineering, she held key roles at Ginkgo Bioworks, Intrexon and Amyris. She began her career in the field of cancer biology and treatment. Dr. Reisinger holds a B.S. in Biology from Harvey Mudd College, USA, an M.S. in Plant Biology and a Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of California, Berkeley.
