Firmenich has appointed Sarah Reisinger as Chief Research Officer, effective July 1, 2021. She will report to the Group CEO, Gilbert Ghostine, as a member of his executive team after most recently serving as Senior VP of Research Operations. Dr Reisinger will succeed Professor Geneviève Berger, who will stay with the company as Strategic Advisor to the CEO, before retiring at the end of the year.
“Sarah brings a unique blend of world-class experience in management of research and development, both in start up as well as larger organization structures, with a strong background in biotechnology, augmented discovery and open innovation. I am very proud to welcome her to my executive team,” said Ghostine.
“I am excited to have this opportunity to build on our amazing legacy of scientific excellence by leading research into fast evolving scientific domains and embracing new technology for our changing world,” said Reisinger.
“I wish to warmly thank Professor Berger for successfully building the multidisciplinary strength of our research & development and for championing white biotechnology. Under her leadership, we have broadened our scope of research and reinforced our global footprint in science with new R&D centres, targeted acquisitions, and were the first to market with AI-generated solutions in taste and fragrance,” said Ghostine.
Reisinger has an extensive background in biotechnology as well as a strong track record in ingredients and technology development for the consumer goods industry. She has previously held roles at Ginkgo Bioworks, Intrexon and Amyris, after starting her career in the field of biology and cancer therapeutics. Dr. Reisinger holds a PhD in Microbiology from the University of California, Berkeley.
