IFRA North America today announced that its board of directors has appointed Farah K. Ahmed as president and CEO effective April 18, 2016.
 
Ahmed succeeds Jennifer Abril, who has served as president since November 2008. Abril announced in December 2015 her intention to step down when a successor was named.
 
Ahmed joins IFRA North America from the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), where she most recently served as Chair, strategic industry categories. In that role, she chaired several strategic industry categories, including sunscreens, marketing/advertising, environmental and corporate social responsibility (natural/organic), and small member company interests. Prior to that, Ahmed served as assistant general counsel for PCPC, providing legal, regulatory and policy guidance on a wide variety of local, state, federal and international issues.
 
“Farah brings to IFRA North America a unique set of skills, with an impressive background and a proven track record of developing collaborative relationships and delivering effective counsel on industry issues,” said Steve Tanner, Chairman, IFRA North America. “We are confident she will continue the high standards set for the Association by Jennifer.”
 
“I am thrilled to be joining IFRA North America,” said Ahmed. “Coming from PCPC, I'm very familiar with the Association's work, and am excited to continue building on the successful impact the Association has had on the fragrance industry.”
 
Previously, Ahmed was an associate at the law firm of Kelley Drye Collier Shannon, as well as assistant general counsel at the Food and Drug Administration.
 
Ahmed graduated from the University of Virginia, School of Law and is an active member of the District of Columbia Bar. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in physiology and biochemistry from Niagara University.