IFF Announces 3 Vice-President Perfumer Promotions

IFF announced the promotion of three perfumers to vice president perfumers—Patricia “Patty” Hidalgo, Joa Kim and Birgit Sijbrands. The company shared  a brief background of each vice president perfumer below:

Patty Hidalgo

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 skillspropelled her from a laboratory technician to a towering strength  perfumery creation, where she has since been crafting authentic scents inspired by nature, cultures and wanderlust. 

“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

Joa Kim’s promotion is a tribute to her more than two decades of dedication to perfumery at the IFF Singapore creative hub.courtesy of IFF

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, Kim’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

Birgit Sijbrands’ career is decorated with a remarkable 28-year legacy of fragrance creation.courtesy of IFF

Birgit Sijbrands’ 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 teamin 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.”