Symrise AG, the DAX-listed global supplier of flavours, fragrances, and cosmetic ingredients headquartered in Holzminden, Germany, has announced a planned Chief Financial Officer transition, with Martin Huber set to succeed Olaf Klinger on 1 April 2027. Klinger, who will have served as CFO for more than eleven years by his departure date of 31 March 2027, confirmed he had not intended to seek a further term beyond January 2028. Separately, the Supervisory Board has extended the Executive Board mandate of Walter Ribeiro, President Taste, Nutrition & Health, by a further four years until 19 September 2031. Investors in the €4.9 billion revenue group may be watching how leadership continuity supports the ongoing ONE SYM transformation programme.

Key Points

  • Symrise AG (0G6T), DAX-listed global flavours, fragrances, and cosmetic ingredients group with 2025 sales of around €4.9 billion
  • Martin Huber (56) appointed CFO effective 1 April 2027, succeeding Olaf Klinger (61) in a planned succession
  • Olaf Klinger steps down on 31 March 2027 after more than eleven years as Chief Financial Officer
  • Walter Ribeiro's Executive Board mandate extended by four years to 19 September 2031; investors may watch execution of ONE SYM transformation under new CFO

Martin Huber Brings Over 20 Years of International Finance Experience from Nestlé, Nespresso, and Aryzta

Martin Huber joins Symrise with more than 20 years of international finance and leadership experience, having held senior roles at Nestlé, Nespresso, and most recently Aryzta, where the announcement states he played an instrumental role in improving profitability, cash flow, and return on capital. The Supervisory Board's Chair, Michael König, noted Huber's industry expertise and proven track record as key factors in his selection. In a statement included in the announcement, Huber highlighted Symrise's culture of innovation and expressed commitment to disciplined execution of the ONE SYM transformation agenda and long-term profitable growth.

Olaf Klinger's Eleven-Year CFO Tenure Included DAX Inclusion and Consistent Dividend Growth

During Klinger's tenure, Symrise joined the DAX index and maintained a consistent track record of dividend growth, according to the announcement. He is credited with strengthening the company's financial profile, supporting international growth, and financing strategic investments and acquisitions. Klinger will remain in post until 31 March 2027 to ensure an orderly handover. In his statement, he described the ONE SYM transformation as now entering its next phase and extending beyond the end of his term, explaining his decision to facilitate an earlier leadership transition to the next generation of financial management.

Walter Ribeiro's Mandate Extended to 2031 as Taste, Nutrition and Health Segment Gains Continuity

Walter Ribeiro, who has been with Symrise for more than 30 years and has served on the Executive Board since September 2024, will continue as President Taste, Nutrition & Health until 19 September 2031 following the Supervisory Board's four-year contract extension. The announcement states his deep understanding of the value chain has contributed significantly to the development of the Taste, Nutrition & Health segment. The extension signals the board's intention to maintain strategic continuity in one of the group's core operating divisions as Symrise navigates its broader transformation programme across its more than 100 global branches.

Symrise's ONE SYM Transformation Programme Remains Central Focus for Incoming Leadership

Both the incoming CFO and the departing Klinger referenced the ONE SYM transformation as a central strategic priority in statements included in the announcement. Symrise serves a broad customer base spanning perfume, cosmetics, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, dietary supplement, and pet food manufacturers, operating across Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Asia, and North and Latin America. With the CFO transition structured as a planned succession and an overlap period built in through March 2027, the company appears focused on minimising operational disruption while maintaining momentum in its long-term growth and value creation strategy.