In Good Company with Nicolai Tangen HIGHLIGHTS: Gilles Andrier - CEO of Givaudan
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Feb 20, 2026 
Gilles Andrier, long-serving CEO of Givaudan and expert in perfumery and flavor science, shares the craft behind iconic scents and how luxury perfume briefs are developed. He outlines what makes a great perfumer and explains how flavours differ from fragrances. He also reflects on company culture, leadership principles, and the role of experimentation in innovation.
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Purpose Beyond Perfume
- Givaudan's purpose is to "make consumers happier and healthier," expanding beyond fragrances and flavours.
- The company co-develops briefs with clients to position products and unlock broader applications.
Use A Competitive Briefing Funnel
- Issue a clear brief and expect a competitive co-development process with multiple fragrance houses.
- Use a funnel: generate many ideas, eliminate, test with consumers, and refine leads together with the client.
Perfumery School Is A Talent Engine
- Givaudan's perfumery school trains roughly 40% of the world's perfumers and underpins its creative advantage.
- Selection values smell accuracy, passion, resilience, and long-term commitment more than raw talent alone.