#United States #Board of Directors #Mahwah #Fragrance Safety #Research Institute

RIFM Welcomes New Leadership for 2026

The Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, Inc. (RIFM) has officially announced the election of its new Board of Directors and Officers for the year 2026, marking a significant step forward in its commitment to fragrance safety. With a new Chair, Ron Stark, and several experienced members joining the leadership, RIFM aims to further its mission of advancing the science behind fragrance safety worldwide.

New Chair and Board Members

Ron Stark, who serves as the President of Bell Flavors and Fragrances, Inc., takes over as the new Chair of the RIFM Board, succeeding Robert Weinstein from Robertet, Inc. Dr. Weinstein, who played a crucial role as Chair since 2021, guided the organization through key scientific and organizational changes throughout his tenure. Stark's leadership is anticipated to bring fresh perspectives and invigorated commitment towards addressing the complexities of fragrance safety in a rapidly evolving industry.

Joining Stark in leadership is Susanne Kettler from dsm-Firmenich, who assumes the role of Vice Chair. Her extensive background and leadership skills will be pivotal in executing RIFM's strategic initiatives. Another notable addition is Veronique Scailteur from Chanel SA, who takes on the Secretary position, leveraging her vast industry knowledge to enhance RIFM's governance and mission.

Additionally, the Board of Directors now includes influential figures like Catherine Gadras from Robertet, Inc., representing the company’s longstanding commitment to fragrance safety. Joris Theewis from IFF and Jeremy Compton from Givaudan Suisse SA will also contribute their expertise in global scent regulation and fragrance safety innovations, rounding out a team equipped with diverse skills.

A Legacy of Fragrance Safety

As RIFM approaches its 60th anniversary in 2026, the importance of leadership continuity becomes evident. The new Board members bring with them a rich history of contributions to the fragrance industry. The organization is thankful for the dedicated service of outgoing members such as George Daher from The Estée Lauder Companies, Maurizio Volpi from Givaudan, and Thilo Bischoff from BASF. Their vision and committed service have laid a strong foundation for the new leadership to build upon.

Anne Marie Api, PhD, the President of RIFM, expressed her excitement about the newly elected officers and Board members. She noted, "Their expertise, experience, and dedication to fragrance safety will be invaluable as we continue to advance our global research programs and ensure the safe use of fragrance ingredients for people and the environment."

A Future of Collaboration and Innovation

The newly appointed Board is set to reinforce RIFM's role as a knowledge leader in fragrance safety. With the growing demand for transparency and accountability in ingredient safety, RIFM's mission will focus on scientific advancements that meet these needs while advocating for environmentally safe practices. The leadership team will prioritize collaboration among member companies, fostering a collective effort in fragrance research and safety standardization.

In summary, with a dynamic new Chair and a wealth of experienced professionals joining its ranks, RIFM is poised to usher in a new era of advancements in fragrance safety. The organization looks forward to not just maintaining but elevating its esteemed position as a leader in fragrance material safety research, devoting its future to protecting the health of consumers and the environment alike.