DSM-Firmenich AG’s Board of Directors has revealed an evolution in the company’s CEO structure following the completion of its merger with Firmenich International SA on 8 May 2023. The current Co-CEO structure, which includes additional CFO and COO responsibilities for each CEO, will change on 1 September 2023. Dimitri de Vreeze will assume the role of CEO, while Ralf Schmeitz will be appointed as the new CFO.
Geraldine Matchett, who was instrumental in DSM’s strategic transformation and merger with Firmenich, has decided to leave the company on 1 September to further her career elsewhere. Thomas Leysen, Chairman of DSM-Firmenich, thanked Matchett for her superb work as Co-CEO and CFO.
Ralf Schmeitz has an extensive background in Finance & Control, Treasury, Taxation, and M&A. He began his career at PWC, held leadership roles at Hewlett Packard, and joined DSM in 2006. Schmeitz has been a driving force behind DSM’s Finance transformation and portfolio changes. As of 1 September 2023, Schmeitz will join DSM-Firmenich’s Executive Committee as CFO.
Leysen expressed his confidence in Dimitri de Vreeze’s leadership and welcomed Ralf Schmeitz to the role of CFO. He believes the new leadership structure will help the company continue its growth and success post-merger.
