Gerold Linzbach to Step Down as Symrise CEO in October 2009

Dr. Linzbach said, “My decision to leave Symrise at the end of my contract has been made for personal reasons. The business remains strong and stable and is performing in line with market expectations."

17/12/08 The CEO of Symrise Dr. Gerold Linzbach has informed the Supervisory Board of Symrise AG that, for personal reasons, he does not intend to extend his contract beyond the end of October 2009.

Reinforcing his commitment to Symrise until the end of his contract, Dr. Linzbach said, “My decision to leave Symrise at the end of my contract has been made for personal reasons. The business remains strong and stable and is performing in line with market expectations. I have given the Board my personal commitment to work with my colleagues to continue to develop the business in the meantime and to ensure an orderly handover to my successor.”

Commenting on Dr. Linzbach’s resignation, the Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Mr Andreas Schmid, said, “The Board has reluctantly accepted Dr. Linzbach’s resignation. He has played a key role in the development of Symrise over the past years and can be proud of his achievements to date. The entire Board welcomes his commitment to stay in his post until the end of October 2009. I will immediately initiate and lead a process to find Gerold’s successor.”

Symrise is a global supplier of fragrances, flavorings and raw materials and active ingredients for the perfume, cosmetics and food industry. Its sales of €1.27 billion in 2007 place the company among the top four in the international flavors and fragrances market. Headquartered in Holzminden, Germany, Symrise is represented in more than 30 countries in Europe, Asia, the United States and South America.