Press Release
Patrick Firmenich Wins EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Switzerland Award For Family Business
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND, 30 OCTOBER, 2020 - Firmenich, the world’s largest privately-owned perfume and taste company, is proud to announce that Patrick Firmenich, Chairman of the Board, has won the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year award 2020 Switzerland in the Family Business category. The EY award recognizes Patrick Firmenich’s excellence in areas such as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment, whilst continuing the family legacy and positioning the Group as a global leader in the food, nutrition and health industry.
It’s a great honor to receive the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year award 2020 for Family Business, particularly as in the year that Firmenich is celebrating its 125th anniversary in November,” said Patrick Firmenich, Chairman of the Board, Firmenich. “Since Firmenich was created in 1895, five generations of our family have nurtured a unique legacy of responsible business excellence: I must thank them and pay tribute to our 10,000 colleagues around the world, who strive every day to do what’s right for our planet, our communities and our business.”
“Patrick is this year’s winner as he has built an exceptional legacy. His ambitious vision combined with his commitment to family values and doing business the right way, has enabled Firmenich to be ranked among the top companies worldwide,” said Stephan Rösch, Country Managing Partner, EY Switzerland.
Patrick Firmenich received the award during a special virtual gala event in Switzerland on Friday organized by EY.
With its inclusive capitalism business model, Firmenich is committed to creating long-term value for all its stakeholders, from its customers, colleagues and shareholders to its suppliers, communities and the planet. Firmenich proved its resilience during Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20) with a +2.8% increase in annual sales (*), while navigating the unprecedented challenges of Covid-19. Investing in the future, the Group entered the financial markets in 2020 for the first time in its history, successfully raising the equivalent of CHF 2.9bn in corporate bonds.
In December 2019, Firmenich’s exemplary leadership as a family business was recognized by the first ever IMD-Pictet Sustainability in Family Business Award 2019, for its comprehensive approach to sustainability, with an established track record of positive impact.
Held in 70 countries, the annual EY Entrepreneur Of The Year is highly respected as the world's biggest and most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. This unique global program supports entrepreneurs who unlock their ambitions by recognizing entrepreneurial achievement among individuals and companies that demonstrate vision, leadership and success, and work to improve quality of life.
(*) in local currencies
