International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) has named Carlos Benaim as master perfumer, marking the first designation of a master perfumer at the company.
IFF's master perfumer designation recognizes perfumers who have consistently challenged themselves and the company to take the art of perfumery to the next level; it calls them "paradigm shifters" who have developed trendsetting fragrances while demonstrating leadership within the company.
“Carlos’ creativity and mastery has been recognized in the industry for many years," said Nicolas Mirzayantz. "IFF's group president, fragrances. In addition to his extraordinary success in the marketplace and his strong relationships with customers at all levels, Carlos has also coached, mentored and inspired generations of IFF perfumers.”
Christophe de Villeplee, IFF's vice president global fine fragrance and beauty care, added, “Carlos has created new and breakthrough olfactory signature fragrances that became market leaders and classics. He is a true creative leader who inspires all who have the opportunity to work with him. Everyone at IFF is proud to have Carlos on our perfumery team.”
Benaim, who has had a 45-year career with IFF, studied chemistry at the University of Toulouse and Ecole Nationale Superíeure de Chimie de Toulouse in France and began his career at IFF in 1967 in a management training program in The Netherlands. He then transferred to IFF’s New York creative center to study perfumery under the tutelage of the legendary IFF perfumer, Ernest Shiftan.
Today, Benaim is the chairperson of the IFF Global Creative Council. He has been a pioneer in leveraging IFF technology innovations, being one of the first to use Living Flowers and unique naturals from LMR. He was instrumental in the understanding of diffusivity in fragrance and the successful application of breakthroughs in consumer insights.
In addition, Benaim has received many industry awards including nine FiFi awards from the Fragrance Foundation and the prestigious American Society of Perfumers Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004.
His creations and collaborations include Polo Green and Polo Blue by Ralph Lauren, Euphoria by Calvin Klein, Eternity for Men by Calvin Klein, Herrera for Men by Carolina Herrera, Solo by Loewe, White Diamonds by Elizabeth Taylor, Fierce by Abercrombie & Fitch, Jasmin Noir by Bulgari, Very Irresistible Givenchy by Givenchy, Prada Amber by Prada, Armani Code for Women by Giorgio Armani, Flowerbomb and Spicebomb by Viktor & Rolf and many others.
