Panel of Experts

Since 2018, Dr. Choi has assumed the role of Vice President of Global Safety and Regulatory Affairs (GFSARA) for Takasago International Corporation. In this role, Dr. Choi leads the responsibility for global safety and regulatory compliance of Takasago fragrance and flavour ingredients. He also serves as internal resource for the Fragrance, Flavour, Aroma Ingredient and Fine Chemicals Divisions on questions/issues involving toxicology/safety (Occupational Safety) and regulatory compliance. In addition, Dr. Choi continues to serve on the various flavor and fragrance trade associations, representing Takasago.

Alain Frix is a F&F ingredients specialist with 35 years of experience, combining a background in science and business. He has worked extensively with both natural and synthetic ingredients, developing a strong interest in how sustainability, sourcing, and chemistry intersect. Over the years, he has visited many growing and distillation regions around the world, gaining insight into the realities behind raw material production and the role of agriculture in the supply chain. Alain is particularly focused on the environmental challenges the industry faces, and shares his views through articles and talks, encouraging a shift toward lower-impact practices and long-term industrial thinking.

Matthias Guentert holds a Ph.D. in food chemistry from the University of Karlsruhe, Germany. His main areas of expertise are food and flavour chemistry, innovation, business leadership, and global regulatory. His 28-year career with Symrise (then Haarmann & Reimer) began in 1986 in Holzminden, Germany and brought him to Teterboro, New Jersey in 1999. His most important leadership positions were in Analytical Research, Flavour Innovations, Quality & Regulatory, and the Supply Chain. In July 2008 he became President of the Flavour & Nutrition Division in North America. He also served for two terms on the Scientific Advisory Board of the German Institute for Food Chemistry. From 2012-2015 he served on the FEMA Board of Governors. After retiring from Symrise in 2014 he became a consultant, working with flavour, ingredient, fragrance and food companies.

Luigi Mondello is Full Professor of Analytical Chemistry (University of Messina), President of the Società Chimica Italiana and Founder of Chromaleont Srl. His expertise is based on analytical techniques. He developed reliable mass spectral libraries to support identification of flavour and fragrance compounds using GCMS. He is Editor for several international scientific journals, Chairman for international conferences and President of the Permanent Scientific Committee of the International Symposium on Essential Oils. In 2014 he received the IFEAT Medal. He is Principal Investigator or Research Unit Coordinator in several founded projects.

An internationally respected educator and aromatherapist, Dorene brings over 45 years of experience promoting sustainable essential oil production, ethical sourcing, and quality control. Dorene has led global trainings on organic distillation and clinical aromatherapy, pioneered professional standards in aromatherapy, and published extensively on evidence-based aromatherapy and sustainability in the wellness industry.

Stephen Pisano is Executive Vice President of Citrus & Allied Essences Ltd – a family company based in Belcamp, Maryland. He has dedicated 35 years to the essential oils industry and has travelled extensively, meeting with producers all over the world gaining invaluable hands-on experience. He served on IFEAT Executive Committee for five years and was an active member of multiple committees. Citrus & Allied Essences is a founding member of IFEAT.

Dominique Roques has worked in the perfume industry for over 35 years, specialising in the sourcing of natural ingredients. In his 20-year collaboration with the French company BIOLANDES, he has been in charge of managing extraction facilities and supply chains in Spain, Bulgaria, Turkey, Morocco and Madagascar. During 15 years of heading the natural perfumery ingredients procurement at Firmenich, he has focused on establishing partnerships and JVs with local companies at source, including in India, Guatemala and Madagascar. In 2022 he established his own consulting company : BALSAM CONSULTING, focusing on sourcing strategies for perfume brands. Published in 2021, his book Cueilleur d’essences has been translated in 13 foreign editions, followed in 2023 by <em>Le Parfum des Forêts</em>.

Ravi Sanganeria is the Managing Director of the Ultra Group of companies, having various subsidiaries around the world with headquarters in the Netherlands. With over 30 years' experience in the naturals industry, Ravi brings vast knowledge in the fields of agronomy, farming, trade and finance.

An active scientist and strong science professional in the area of fragrances, household chemicals and cosmetics with a PhD in fragrance organic chemistry. Entrepreneurial skills were injected at Haas School of Business at University of California Berkeley. His current research interests include flow catalysis, combinatorial fragrance synthesis, structure-odour relationships, and applied aspects of essential oils science (antimicrobials/antivirals, application in cosmetics, key odorants, olfactometry, toxicology and ecotoxicology). Prof Strub specialises in management in R&D, fragrances, essential oils, FMCG, household chemicals, organic & analytical chemistry, and cosmetics.

Mrs Winnie Yeung has been a trader of aroma chemicals and essential oils for over 40 years. She is Chairman of Kallin International Ltd.; a Vice Chairman of the China Association of Fragrances, Flavours and Cosmetic Industries(CAFFCI); a vice Chairman of CHINAEASA; and was a Member of the IFEAT Executive Committee from 2005, serving three terms, including one term as Vice Chair from 2011. She was Co-Chair of the IFEAT 2009 Shanghai Conference Committee.