NEW
YORK, Feb. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- IFF today
announced the promotion of three perfumers to vice president
perfumers: Patricia "Patty" Hidalgo, Joa
Kim and Birgit Sijbrands.
Patricia "Patty" Hidalgo — a
beacon of creativity and innovation in the fragrance
industry with a storied career spanning three decades — began her
journey at IFF by joining through the Fragrance
Resources acquisition in 2017. A scholar in biology and chemistry,
her technical skills propelled her from a laboratory technician to
a towering strength in perfumery creation, where she has since been
crafting authentic scents inspired by nature, cultures and
wanderlust. Her creations have not only captivated the specialty
and prestige markets but have also set new benchmarks for
excellence in fragrance creation.
"Patty is the embodiment of relentless energy, boundless
optimism, and a radiant spirit," said Sabrya Meflah, president of IFF Fine Fragrance.
"Her promotion to VP Perfumer is a testament to her artistic flair,
her mentorship skills, and her leadership in steering her team
toward success."
Joa Kim's promotion is a tribute
to her more than two decades of dedication to perfumery at the IFF
Singapore creative hub. A fine connoisseur of ingredients, creation
and the complexity of perfumery delivery systems, Joa's fervor for
perfumery has birthed a plethora of iconic fragrances that have
captivated consumers worldwide. Her portfolio spans an impressive
array of categories, from fabric care to beauty and home
essentials, catering to both global and regional audiences.
"Joa is the epitome of creative and technical acumen," said
David Ellison, president of IFF
Consumer Fragrances. "Her artistry is matched only by her technical
expertise and her exceptional sense of camaraderie and generosity.
Joa's artistic inspiration is deeply intertwined with her love for
art and painting, leading to collaborations with the prestigious
Van Gogh Museum and the fusion of scent with visual art at the 2022
IFF Singapore Innovation Centre's inauguration.
Birgit Sijbrands's career is decorated with a remarkable 28-year
legacy of fragrance creation. Since her first days at IFF 17 years
ago, Sijbrands has been the architect behind a multitude of
successful fragrances, fostering robust partnerships with strategic
customers across the globe. On par with her achievements, Birgit is
admired for her contribution to the diverse expertise within IFF,
and her role in mentoring and nurturing the next generation of
talent.
"Birgit is the quintessence of dedication, humility and
passion," said Ellison. "Through her perfumery expertise, she has
consistently demonstrated her unwavering commitment to crafting
scents that truly awaken the extraordinary senses for a better
world."
"Attaining the vice-president perfumer rank at IFF is a feat
reserved for those with a unique blend of talent, skill and
knowledge, ranging from setting industry milestones to advancing
our technological frontiers, mentoring the next generation of
talent and aiding our Research and Development team in developing patented ingredients," said
Valery Claude, vice president,
Innovation and Creation, Scent, IFF.
"The elevation of these three distinguished women perfumers,
who have devoted their lives to the artistry of fragrance,
celebrates their extraordinary commitment to perfumery and their
role in shaping the future of our craft."
About the Perfumers
Patty Hidalgo—once destined for dentistry—found her
true calling amidst the aromatic allure of Fragrance Resources in
1994. What began as a two-week internship blossomed into a 24-year
odyssey. IFF's acquisition of Fragrance Resources in 2017 unveiled
a new world before Hidalgo - the fascinating realm of LMR Naturals
and IFF molecules. A painter at heart, Hidalgo is captivated by
landscapes and seashores; they are not just visual spectacles for
her but olfactory tapestries waiting to be woven into scents.
"The world as it smells is not just perceived but deeply felt,"
said Hidalgo. "I have the privilege to transport people - to that
sun-kissed beach, that serene lake or those cherished memories
tucked away in time - all through the evocative power of
scent."
Joa Kim—a fashion design
scholar—was on the cusp of a promising career in the fashion
industry when a chance encounter with perfumery altered her path
and ignited a passion she never knew existed. In 1999, she joined
IFF to launch its then-Singapore Creative Center. However, destiny
had other plans when she was accepted into its internal perfumery
school. Kim perceives perfumery as more than a profession; it is
the pinnacle of human experience.
"The essence of my work is to infuse everyday household
products, like liquid detergent, with emotion, transcending their
functional purpose," said Kim "When I craft a fragrance, I invite
people to perceive the encapsulated message, to partake in the
experience, and to connect with humanity – mine and others."
Today, Joa pushes the boundaries of sensory perception even
further. She paints with scents, fusing colors with fragrances and
forms, offering a truly unique kinesthetic experience that
transcends traditional sensory boundaries, transforming the mundane
into the extraordinary.
Birgit Sijbrands's
perfumery career was a calling from the start. Her childhood—spent
by the Northern Sea—was a sensory journey marked by the aromatic
symphony of nature: the seasonal shifts, the floral bloom and the
ever-changing air. Driven by an insatiable thirst for science and
discovery, she pursued chemistry, with a singular ambition - to
join a fragrance company. In her quest to create scents, she seeks
simplicity and the power to evoke joy, a pursuit for which she
relentlessly strives.
"The genuine expression on people's faces when they open their
washing machine is unfeigned," said Sijbrands. "Their smiles are a testament to
my success. It's indescribable to know that something I created
brings joy to people, that I am a part of their lives."
This relentless pursuit of creating meaningful scents is the
essence of Sijbrands's commitment to her craft.
It's not just about creating a scent; it's about touching lives,
one fragrance at a time.
Welcome to IFF
At IFF (NYSE: IFF), an industry leader in food, beverage,
health, biosciences and scent, science and creativity meet to
create essential solutions for a better world – from global icons
to unexpected innovations and experiences. With the beauty of art
and the precision of science, we are an international collective of
thinkers who partners with customers to bring scents, tastes,
experiences, ingredients and solutions for products the world
craves. Together, we will do more good for people and planet. Learn
more at iff.com, X
(Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
© 2024 by International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. IFF is a
Registered Trademark. All Rights Reserved.
Contact:
Judith Gross
VP, Communication and Branding, Scent
+33630097462
judith.gross@iff.com
SOURCE IFF