Gilbert Ghostine joined Firmenich, the world’s largest privately-owned perfume & taste company, in October 2014, as the Group’s first non-family member CEO since it was founded in 1895. Over the past 7 years, the Group has grown at a CAGR of +5% (organic), made 14 strategic acquisitions, & now employs 10,000 people worldwide, generating an annual turnover of 4.5 billion Swiss Francs. Its work touches billions of people around the world every day, through their foods, beverages, home & body care products & fine fragrances.

Under Gilbert’s leadership, Firmenich has grown into a recognized global leader in Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) performance, driven by bold and measurable ambitions. In 2020, Firmenich achieved 100% renewable electricity in its operations worldwide. Today, the Group is one of only two companies worldwide that have received a CDP triple A rating for climate, water & forests in four consecutive years. Firmenich achieved a Sustainalytics industry-leading score of 7.5 that also ranked the Group as an ESG Global Top 50 Rated company worldwide.

Gilbert is committed to enabling a working environment where all his colleagues can thrive around the world. Today, Firmenich stands out with gender parity on its Executive Team, while women comprise 42% of management roles & 41% of the company’s global workforce.

Prior to leading Firmenich, Gilbert worked for Diageo, the world’s leading premium spirits company, for more than 2 decades in senior leadership roles across four continents: Africa, Asia, the USA & Europe. He holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from St. Joseph University, Lebanon & completed Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program.