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.

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.