The rank of Master Perfumer is first and foremost about having amassed a series of career successes that only a highly accomplished perfumer can. But it encompasses more than that. IFF Master Perfumers are artistic visionaries, judicious mentors, and decidedly self-aware creative professionals.
According to Nicolas Mirzayantz, divisional CEO of scent at IFF, “Anne’s admirers are countless, including her contemporaries, mentees, clients and endless consumers.”
“Every one of her fragrance designs is a vivid combination of her passionate heart and curious, creative mind,” says Mirzayantz in a media release announcing Anne Flipo as the newest IFF Mater Perfumer.
“Like her fellow Master Perfumers, Anne is committed to mentoring the next generation of perfumers as they take their exciting and distinct journeys. Their genuine appreciation of her vast knowledge, inspiring spirit and dynamic instruction supports their dreams to connect to the world through scent. I am truly thrilled to recognize Anne with this well-deserved honor.”
Connecting the pieces
Flipo has been part of the IFF team since 2004. In her remarks to the press, she talks about the juncture of career and company: “The life of a perfumer can be challenging, but IFF gave me the room to come into my own skin. It forced me to be the master of my own life, to let go of the fear, to embrace who I am, and discover independence.”
Describing her experience of the multinational fragrance company further, Flipo says, “IFF supports you when you challenge yourself, and it treats us as individuals, rather than a machine. At IFF, you are part of a team, where I know I belong, and where I know that what I bring is unique and valued. I was able to overcome any obstacles thanks to the outstanding human fabric of the company, which holds everything together, and creates common values which we all stand for: passion, simplicity and kindness… and a bit of madness too!”
Joining the ranks
IFF established the rank of Master Perfumer in 2013, announcing Carlos Benaim as the first such honoree. “He was named IFF’s first-ever Master Perfumer in recognition of his creativity, mastery of his art, market success, and exceptional customer relationships,” explains a company press release issued in 2017 to call attention to Benaim’s 50th year with IFF.
The other 3 IFF Master Perfumers are Francisco Marano, Stephen Nicoll, and Dominique Ropion, who were all recognized with the designation last year. In November when Marano and Nicoll were named Master Perfumers, Mirzayantz told the press, “you won’t see Francisco’s or Steve’s name in fragrance blogs or on the bottles containing their creations, but what they make becomes part of your personal olfactive tapestry. The smell of your blanket when you were a child, the aroma of your mother’s hair, or the scent that tells you you’re home – these are the irreplaceable contributions of these incredibly talented men.”
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Deanna Utroske, CosmeticsDesign.com Editor, covers beauty business news in the Americas region and publishes the weekly Indie Beauty Profile column, showcasing the inspiring work of entrepreneurs and innovative brands.
