Dr. Ahmet Baydar has been appointed as vice president, global fragrance research, and took up the role at the beginning of this month.
The company says that his official job mission is to over see its research efforts for fragrance synthesis, perfumery and innovation technology groups.
Tapping into innovation
"Dr. Baydar is a strategic leader with a proven record of driving innovation and increasing profitability and growth," said IFF group gresident, fragrances, Nicolas Mirzayantz.
"He has a natural talent for building long-term strategic alliances which will serve him well in his new position. In addition, his extensive global R&D, personal care and fragrance experience will help our customers to grow their brands."
Dr. Baydar has extensive experience within the industry and specifically within the personal care fragrance area, having held a leadership position at Proctor & Gamble.
IFF focuses in on the China fragrance market
Earlier this month IFF announced that it had opened a creative centre in Shanghai, China, in order to capitalize on significant growth potential in the region – a project Dr. Baydar is likely to have significant involvement in.
After reporting particularly good results in Greater Asia, IFF says it is attempting to strengthen its presence in specific markets within Asia-Pacific.
The center is located in the Putuo district of Shanghai and includes both creation facilities and a consumer insights center designed to help the company keep track of the consumer preferences in the region.
This news came just days after the company revealed that sales of fragrances in Greater Asia increased 14 percent during 2008, in contrast to a 10 percent drop in North America pulled figures down, leading to a 2 percent increase overall (-1 percent in local currency).
“Excellent progress was made in some areas of the fragrances business, especially in Greater Asia and Fragrance Ingredients, but we have additional opportunities to improve,” said CEO Robert Amen.