Guy Vincent, former head perfumer for Aveda, one of the world’s largest beauty brands, has been appointed as CEO of WA-based Dutjahn Sandalwood Oils (DSO).
Dutjahn—which derives its name from the indigenous Martu word for sandalwood—is a joint venture between Central Deserts native title holder Dutjahn Custodians, Kutkabbuba Aboriginal Corporation and the founders of WA Sandalwood Plantations, Keith Drage and Ron Mulder.
The key hire sees Vincent, who was raised in regional Victoria, return to Australia from the United States following a 10-year stint as Aveda’s head perfumer and seven years at Aromatherapy Associates in London.
Vincent will take the helm at DSO, which supplies sandalwood oil to some of the world’s largest cosmetics and fragrance companies, including Estee Lauder and Givaudan, and was recently awarded the United Nations’ Equator prize recognizing its unique model which marries traditional indigenous foraging with modern Western plantation harvesting.
As Aveda’s head perfumer, Vincent formulated a number of popular fragrances using sandalwood oil, developing an intimate understanding not just of chemical compounds but also the importance of a supply chain which delivers high-quality product in a way which respects local stakeholders.
Commenting on the appointment, Vincent said: “It is exceptionally exciting to return to Australia to lead Dutjahn Sandalwood Oils, which is well known in the beauty industry, as the world’s highest-quality suppliers of ethically sourced Australian sandalwood oil for major global brands.”
Vincent continued, “In the global sandalwood oil market DSO is unique as it is backed by thousands of years of indigenous experience producing sandalwood oil. Perfumers and product formulators across the world are increasingly under-pressure to source ethical and quality products in their quest to create something new and special. I hope to help DSO increasingly fill this need in the global cosmetics, fragrances and aromatherapy markets.”
He concluded, “I have had great pleasure getting to know Clinton and Darren Farmer as a buyer of DSO product and now am looking forward to working with them, getting to fully appreciate how well they understand the varying fragrances and properties of sandalwood.”
