CEO Today Global Awards

27 CEO Today Global Awards 2019 switzerland GILBERT GHOSTINE CEO of Firmenich Gilbert Ghostine is the Chief Executive Officer of Firmenich, the world’s largest privately owned Perfume & Taste Company. He is recognized for his relentless commitment to delivering sustainable value creation and innovation to his customers around the world. Gilbert is making a positive difference for his customers, people, communities and the planet by leading inclusive growth. Recognized as a global environmental leader, Firmenich is one of only two companies worldwide to have achieved triple “A”s on CDP’s annual ranking for climate change, water security and forest management. This world-class achievement follows the Group’s Gold rating from EcoVadis, where Firmenich ranked second worldwide, amongst the 45,000 companies rated by EcoVadis, for its environmental and social impact management. Putting people first, Gilbert is committed to offering equal opportunities for his 7,600 colleagues to thrive around the world. Under his leadership Firmenich is one of only seven companies, and the first in its industry, to be globally certified as a gender equality employer by EDGE, the world’s leading business certification standard in this area. Leveraging the Group’s world-class science capabilities, exemplified by its Nobel Prize, Firmenich strategically invested CHF 370m in 2018 to innovate for a better society, with a focus on Sanitation, Nutrition and Climate Change. Gilbert has a deep understanding of the Consumer Goods and Luxury industries, having spent over two decades with Diageo, prior to leading Firmenich. During his 21 years with the world’s leading premium spirits company, he led businesses and lived across 4 continents: Africa, Asia, the United States and Europe. Firmenich is a family- owned company since 1895, what can you tell us about its beginnings? Firmenich was founded in Geneva in 1895 thanks to the creative vision of a Scientist, Philippe Chuit and the determination of two entrepreneurs, Martin Naef and Fred Firmenich. It all actually started in the Garage of Charles Firmenich – as a true start-up story! Firmenich’s DNA is based on leading science to create positive taste and smell experiences. Being a family- owned company with a long term view, it is recognized as the most responsible player in its industry and leader in sustainability. The Group’s unique legacy is based on ensuring its growth creates positive value for all its stakeholders, from its customers and people, to its shareholders and communities, while protecting the environment. We call this “inclusive capitalism”. Firmenich is a true pioneer in this area! Building on the Group’s consistent industry-leading organic growth, I have overseen 8 acquisitions over the past 2 years to accelerate our expansion. During this period, we also inaugurated over 12 new sites, cutting across manufacturing plants,