Firmenich, the privately owned fragrance and taste company, has appointed Sarah Reisinger as chief research officer, effective July 1, 2021.
 
Reisinger will report to the group CEO, Gilbert Ghostine, as a member of his executive team after most recently serving as senior vice president of research operations. Reisinger will succeed professor Geneviève Berger, who is staying on as a strategic advisor to the CEO, before her retirement from the group on December 31, 2021.
 
In her new role, Reisinger will lead Firmenich through new frontiers of scientific excellence, building on the group’s track record of innovation.
 
“Sarah brings a unique blend of world-class experience in management of Research and Development, both in start-up as well as larger organization structures, with a strong background in biotechnology, augmented discovery and open innovation. I am very proud to welcome her to my executive team,” said  Ghostine. “Firmenich is shaping the future of fragrance and taste, and this next-generation appointment demonstrates our continued commitment to our customers, providing cutting-edge technology and sustainable solutions that match the fast-evolving needs of consumers.”
 
“I am excited to have this opportunity to build on our amazing legacy of scientific excellence by leading Research into fast evolving scientific domains and embracing new technology for our changing world,” commented Reisinger. “Our team’s multidisciplinary and global approach to innovation in perfume, taste and ingredients are immense assets to deliver breakthrough solutions for our clients.”
 
Experience
 
Reisinger has an extensive background in biotechnology as well as a strong track record in ingredients and technology development for the consumer goods industry. Prior to joining Firmenich in 2018 as VP biotechnology and process engineering, she held pivotal roles at Ginkgo Bioworks, Intrexon and Amyris, after starting her career in the field of biology and cancer therapeutics.
 
Reisinger holds a B.S. in Biology from Harvey Mudd College, US, as well as an M.S. in Plant Biology and a Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of California, Berkeley.