Dear Colleagues,

As I reflect on my years in the fragrance industry, beginning in the 1980s, I have been privileged to serve on the board of RIFM for almost 20 years and culminating with my tenure as Chairman of RIFM’s Board. I am struck by the extraordinary journey this community has taken, and the profound role RIFM has played in it. What began as a shared commitment to science-based safety almost 60 years ago, RIFM has grown into the global standard of excellence for the Fragrance industry, a standard that continues to guide and inspire.

During my time as a Board member and most recently as the Board Chair, I have witnessed remarkable leaps forward. From pioneering New Approach Methodologies to strengthening international collaborations, RIFM has not only kept pace with scientific progress but has often led it. These achievements are not the result of any single effort, but rather the culmination of an enduring spirit of cooperation among fragrance houses, consumer product companies, academics, regulators, and our dedicated staff. Together, we have demonstrated what is possible when an industry prioritizes consumer and environmental safety at its core.

RIFM’s leadership has always been characterized by a balance of listening and guiding, from fostering open dialogue among stakeholders and ensuring that the science we produce is rigorous, transparent, and relevant. This has been the key to our global impact: building trust, advancing understanding, and providing a framework for safety assessments that resonates worldwide. As I step away from my role as Chairman, I do so with deep gratitude. Gratitude to the colleagues who have shared this journey, to the generations of scientists and industry leaders who have carried the mission forward, and to the knowledge that RIFM’s legacy is both secure and dynamic. The Institute will continue to evolve, leading the conversation on fragrance safety, and I am confident it will remain a beacon for collaboration and scientific integrity.

Thank you for the honor of serving as Chairman of the Board. I look forward to seeing how RIFM’s next chapters unfold and to celebrating the continued success of this remarkable organization.

With appreciation,