IFF appoints two new ‘master perfumers’

The company, a leading innovator of sensory experiences that move the world, has given Francisco Marano and Stephen Nicoll its Master Perfumers designation.

The addition of Marano and Nicoll, both of whom work in Consumer Fragrances, bring the total number at this prestigious level at IFF to four, including Carlos Benaim (2013) and Dominique Ropion (2018). The title was established at the company in 2013.

“The Company’s designation recognizes perfumers who have demonstrated consistent and outstanding levels of creativity and craftsmanship in the art of perfumery, and exceptional leadership in and measurable impact on the industry​,” explains IFF.

Francisco Marano: a Master’s profile​

Marano began his journey in a flavors lab in Brazil until a job opened in one for fragrances.

Fascinated by perfumery, he continued his chemistry studies in high school and worked to develop his unique olfactive skills -  the results of which were noticed by his manager and laid the groundwork for his future.

When the invitation to train as a perfumer materialized, Marano realized that his dream was within his grasp and threw himself into learning all he could and started his career in earnest. In 1978, he joined IFF in Brazil.  

“In the years since, his creations have found their way into the olfactive memories of countless people around the world through some of the industry’s most prestigious fine and iconic consumer brands​,” says the company.

Stephen Nicoll: a Master’s profile​

Nicoll was apprenticed in Grasse, France and began his formal training. He returned to the UK to complete his training and was accepted in to the British Society of Perfumers.

In 1986, he joined Bush Boake Allen (BBA), transitioning to IFF when it acquired BBA in 2000.

His career has been shaped by his passion for understanding what’s most important to the consumer experience and his commitment to surpassing their expectations.

Nicoll said on his designation as Master Perfumer that the satisfaction of his role comes in knowing he is impacting on the lives of a huge number of consumers: “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​.”

Recognition and acknowledgement​

Nicolas Mirzayantz, IFF Group President, Fragrances, said that the designation as Master Perfumers offers recognition in an industry where individuals sometimes do not get the visibility of comparable talents in other industries.

“As perfumers for consumer fragrances, you won’t see Francisco’s or Steve’s name in fragrance blogs or on the bottles containing their creations, but what they make becomes part of your personal olfactive tapestry​,” he stated.

“The smell of your blanket when you were a child, the aroma of your mother’s hair, or the scent that tells you you’re home – these are the irreplaceable contributions of these incredibly talented men​.”