Dr Geemon Korah elected as IFEAT Executive Chair, Mr Alan Brown as Vice Chair

IFEAT is delighted to announce that Dr Geemon Korah is the new Chair of the IFEAT Executive Committee, having been officially elected during an Extraordinary Executive Committee in Göteborg. Mr Alan Brown was elected as Vice Chair of IFEAT’s Executive Committee.

Dr Korah is CEO and Executive Director of Mane Kancor Ingredients Private Limited (India) and a longstanding Member of IFEAT’s Executive Committee and various sub-Committees. Most recently, he served as Executive Committee Vice Chair under the leadership of Ms Catherine Crowley, from 2022-2025, and was Chair of the Scientific Committee. He also co-Chaired the hugely successful IFEAT 2024 Bangkok Conference with Mr John Nechupadom.

“I’ve been part of IFEAT for nearly 30 years, and over that time, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the nuances of our industry and the true value of relationships. From the proud legacy of naturals to the innovation of newer aroma chemicals, it’s remarkable how these elements come together to create flavours and fragrances that touch lives across the globe,” said Dr Korah.

“Everything we do has an impact – regardless of where we live or work. It is essential to act responsibly and sustainably, ensuring that future generations inherit a world better than the one we found.”

“As Chair of IFEAT, I hope to contribute even more in the years ahead. Thank you for your continued support – it’s been a wonderful journey, and I promise the best is yet to come.”

IFEAT’s new Vice Chair, Mr Alan Brown, is Chairman and co-Owner of The Lebermuth Co., Inc. (USA), and is a longstanding Member of IFEAT’s Executive Committee, also serving as Chair of the Education Committee.

“I am humbled and honoured to have been chosen as IFEAT’s EC Vice Chair,” said Mr Brown. “I will continue to serve our members and pursue IFEAT’s vision: To advance, promote, watch over and protect the rights and interests of the essential oils and aroma trades industry.”

IFEAT thanks Immediate Past Chair, Ms Catherine Crowley, for her exceptional leadership over the past three years. During her tenure as IFEAT Executive Committee Chair from 2022-2025, Ms Crowley oversaw significant growth in membership from 672 Member companies in 2022 to more than 780 today. She championed successful Conferences and Study Tours, and spearheaded crucial advocacy efforts – further building relationships with other industry groups as a part of that process and contributing to the success of those efforts. During her tenure, IFEAT initiated a redevelopment of its education programme, along with a new level of activity for its socio economic programme – including carbon impact assessment and adoption of a carbon offset project, as well as a first ever IFEAT Sustainability Award for Members.

Speaking at the 2025 AGM, Ms Crowley said; “It’s been a privilege to lead and share the journey with so many inspiring people. May we continue to move the Federation forward from strength to strength – and may we keep growing ourselves in that process, so that we lead with greater wisdom and compassion along the way”.