Franklin K. Clyburn, Jr. became the CEO of International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) in February 2022, stepping into a role that follows a notable career in the pharmaceutical industry. Before leading IFF, he was with Merck & Co., Inc.,...

Franklin K. Clyburn, Jr. became the CEO of International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) in February 2022, stepping into a role that follows a notable career in the pharmaceutical industry. Before leading IFF, he was with Merck & Co., Inc., where he held various executive positions for over a decade, including responsibility for the global oncology business. Clyburn is known for his strategic thinking and operational excellence, having led teams across the globe in places like Shanghai and Lucerne. He has a strong educational background, holding a Bachelor’s degree from Franklin & Marshall College and an MBA from Arizona State University. Under his leadership, IFF has focused on aligning executive pay with company performance, which included a reported total compensation of about $10.7 million in 2023. His tenure started during an exciting time for the company, especially after a recent shift in leadership. Clyburn's approach blends insight from his extensive experience at major multinational corporations with a fresh perspective on flavor and fragrance innovation. He is expected to steer IFF toward growth while maintaining a keen eye on sustainability and performance metrics.