International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. has a diversity and inclusion (D&I) vision and mission.  Created by an empowered global employee resource group (ERG), the company’s statements reflect the values and priorities of both the employee base, as well as its leadership, said IFF. Simultaneously, IFF CEO and Chairman Andreas Fibig has signed the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion pledge, the largest CEO-driven business commitment to advance diversity and inclusion within the workplace.


“At a time when the discussion about racial, gender, national, age and gender identity bias is so pronounced we felt it was important to take a large internal and external stand and unambiguously reconfirm our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace,” said Fibig. “At IFF, we embrace our differences, understand that there is more that connects us than divides us, and appreciate that diversity makes us better and stronger as a company and as a culture. And as good as we are, we must always strive to be better.”


In 2017, IFF assembled an ERG whose purpose was to develop a new vision and mission for its diversity and inclusion program, create its structure and identify its key initiatives.  The group, comprising 11 employees from all regions where IFF does business, developed the following statements:

• Vision—Your uniqueness unleashes our potential.
• Mission—We nurture an inclusive and fair culture that is fueled by our values. Every voice at IFF is empowered and heard. All levels of our organization reflect the mosaic of the markets we serve. We embrace diversity of thought to transform our future.
  
  
  “At a truly international company like IFF, there is no room for bias—we are more successful if the full spectrum of our people and their experiences have their voices heard. I am so proud of the ERG members and what they’ve accomplished to date. In every way, this diverse team is the essence of IFF,” added Susana Suarez, IFF CHRO.