On November 17, 2025, the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) announced the election of its 2026 board of directors and officers, welcoming new leadership that reflects the organization’s mission to advance the science of fragrance safety.
“On behalf of RIFM, I am delighted to welcome our new chair, officers and board members,” said Anne Marie Api, president of RIFM. “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. We are grateful to our departing leaders for their vision and service, and we look forward to a future of collaboration and innovation with our renewed board.”
Ron Stark, president of Bell Flavors and Fragrances, will serve as the new chair of the Board of Directors. He succeeds Robert Weinstein, president and chief executive officer of Robertet, who has served as chair since 2021. In addition, Susanne Kettler of dsm-firmenich will serve as vice chair and Veronique Scailteur of Chanel SA will serve as secretary.
As RIFM approaches its 60th anniversary in 2026, the organization looks forward to working with its renewed board leadership to further strengthen global collaboration and scientific innovation in fragrance safety.
2025-2026 RIFM Board of Directors
Christopher Choi, Takasago International Corporation USA (treasurer)
Jeremy Compton, Givaudan
Catherine Gadras, Robertet
Susanne Kettler, dsm-firmenich (vice chair)
Felix Klug, BASF
Bhuvana Nageshwaran, Ultra International
Andy O’Shea, Berjé
Nick Pickthall, CPL Aromas
Cynthia Reichard, Arylessence
Veronique Scailteur, Chanel SA (secretary)
Claus Oliver Schmidt, Symrise
Ron Stark, Bell Flavors and Fragrances (chair)
Joris Theewis, IFF
Kedar Vaze, Keva
Michael Zobel, Lanxess
