Givaudan CEO succession is set to reshape the future of the Swiss fragrance and flavor giant. Gilles Andrier, who has led the company for 20 years, will retire in March 2026. He will be succeeded by Christian Stammkoetter, a senior Danone executive with over two decades of global leadership experience. This transition comes as Givaudan unveils its 2030 strategy, aiming to continue driving growth and innovation.
Gilles Andrier has spent more than three decades at Givaudan, with 20 of those years as CEO. His tenure has been marked by growth, expansion, and strategic transformation. When he became CEO in 2005, the company had revenues of around CHF 2.7 billion. By 2024, revenues had grown to over CHF 7.4 billion. During the same period, Givaudan’s workforce nearly tripled to about 16,900 employees, and its market capitalization rose from CHF 5.8 billion to CHF 36.6 billion.
One of Andrier’s most notable contributions was expanding Givaudan’s global presence. Through more than 20 strategic acquisitions, the company strengthened its positions in fragrance, beauty, taste, and wellbeing. These acquisitions allowed Givaudan to diversify and meet the evolving demands of both consumers and businesses.
Andrier’s leadership went beyond financial growth. He helped shape Givaudan’s culture, focusing on creativity, customer relationships, and sustainability. The company’s purpose statement, “Creating for happier, healthier lives with love for nature,” reflects his commitment to balancing performance with responsibility.
Christian Stammkoetter, who will take over as Givaudan CEO in March 2026, currently serves as President for Asia, Middle East, and Africa at Danone. He is also a member of Danone’s Executive Committee. His career spans over 25 years in fast-moving consumer goods, covering personal care, food, beverages, and nutrition. This makes him well-suited to lead a company that thrives on innovation and consumer trends.
The board of directors highlighted Stammkoetter’s track record of leading diverse teams, driving growth, and delivering sustainable results. His leadership approach is seen as a strong fit for Givaudan’s long-term ambitions.
In addition to Andrier’s retirement as CEO, another leadership change is scheduled. Calvin Grieder, Chairman of the Board, will step down at the 2026 Annual General Meeting. To ensure stability, Gilles Andrier will be proposed as the new Chairman. This means that while he will no longer serve as CEO, he will continue to provide strategic guidance, ensuring continuity during the transition.
The leadership change aligns with the company’s new 2030 plan. Givaudan has set ambitious goals, including annual sales growth of 4 to 6 percent and free cash flow consistently above 12 percent. The strategy focuses on expanding into high-growth categories such as:
The company will also continue to invest in research and development, sustainability, and global expansion to secure its leadership in fragrance and flavor markets.
The CEO succession provides both stability and opportunity. With Andrier moving to the Chairman role, investors can trust that corporate strategy will remain consistent. At the same time, Stammkoetter brings fresh perspective and new energy to the executive team. The clear financial targets of the 2030 plan also offer investors visibility and confidence.
Employees will see a continuation of Givaudan’s creative, inclusive culture. Stammkoetter’s leadership experience across international markets indicates he will value diversity and innovation. His background in consumer goods suggests a strong focus on adapting to customer needs, which can inspire teams across the organization.
The fragrance and flavor industry is evolving rapidly, with growing demand for natural, sustainable, and science-driven products. Givaudan’s focus on biotech and wellbeing reflects these trends. By appointing a leader with experience in nutrition and consumer health, the company is positioning itself to take advantage of changing consumer preferences.
While the transition looks promising, several challenges remain.
The announcement of Givaudan CEO succession is more than a routine leadership change. It marks the beginning of a new era. Gilles Andrier’s two decades of leadership transformed Givaudan into a global leader in fragrance and flavor. Now, Christian Stammkoetter has the opportunity to take the company even further, guided by a clear growth strategy and a purpose-driven culture.
As March 2026 approaches, investors, employees, and industry observers will be watching closely. The combination of strategic continuity and fresh leadership could set the stage for another decade of growth and innovation at Givaudan.
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