IFF Appoints Francisco Marano and Stephen Nicoll to Master Perfumers

Sep 12th, 2018

Eden Stuart

International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) has named two new master perfumers.

Francisco Marano and Stephen Nicoll bring the total number of master perfumers at IFF to four, including Carlos Benaim (2013) and Dominique Ropion (2018).

Marano began his career in flavors before transitioning into fragrance, training as a perfumer. He joined IFF in Brazil in 1978. “I am so honored to receive the title of Master Perfumer,” he said. “It is the ultimate tribute in a perfumer’s career and a genuine privilege to join my colleagues Carlos, Dominique, and Steve. Perfumery is my passion – to have this recognition for something I love is the greatest reward I could imagine.”

Nicoll, whose father was a perfumer, apprenticed in Grasse, France before returning to his native U.K. to complete his training and joining the British Society of Perfumer. He joined IFF when it acquired Bush Boake Allen in 2000. “Being curious by nature, I was always fascinated by how things smell. I am fortunate to have discovered a career that allows me to continue to be curious every day. In perfumery, we have the ability to touch millions of people’s lives through the fragrances we create -- and make their lives better, happier, and more satisfying. For a perfumer, there is no greater reward,” he said.”

“The passion to achieve the levels of mastery that Steve and Francisco demonstrate on a daily basis cannot be taught in any school and cannot be demanded by one’s employer. It is entirely innate,” said chairman and CEO Andreas Fibig. “Our responsibility is to create the environment that lets that passion take root and flourish. I am beyond proud to honor the depth, breadth, and impact of Francisco and Steve’s contributions - ones that bring joy to so many people around the world. We congratulate them on their many achievements and look forward to many more.”