International Flavours and Fragrances (IFF), a global company with multiple lines of products in food, beverage, health, biosciences and sensorial experiences has announced that Susana Suarez Gonzalez, CHRO and chief diversity and inclusion officer, is stepping down. Peter Sommers, current VP, global people services, has been appointed as Interim CHRO. Gonzalez will remain in the company to complete the transition period.
Sommers will lead the talent and culture agenda for the Company. An experienced HR professional with expertise in leading talent development, change management and core people and culture functions, Sommers is also an IFF veteran, who has played a key role in the successful execution of IFF’s largest people initiatives since 2000, including leading HR due diligence and people integration following the merger of IFF with DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences (N&B) in 2021. He was responsible for the global execution of HR strategy including global benefits, compensation, talent development, recruiting and human resources information system.
Frank Clyburn, CEO, IFF, acknowledged that Gonzalez “has made significant contributions to IFF’s success over the past six years” and thanked her for her efforts and accomplishments. He admitted that throughout her stint at IFF, she “led with passion and a deep commitment to empowering our team to push past industry boundaries and unlock their potential”.
Clyburn is confident that Sommers’ experience and strong track record within the organisation will ensure it continues to execute on its talent and culture objectives.
He admitted that Sommers has taken up this new role at a time when the Company is evaluating “internal and external candidates that share our deep commitment to empowering world-class talent and advancing our diversity and inclusion objectives. I look forward to welcoming a strategic partner to our Executive Committee who will strengthen our purpose-driven culture even while helping us drive profitable growth and create value for all our stakeholders.”
