CEO and Director of Global Flavor Giant Acquires Shares Worth Hundreds of Millions

On March 12, Paul J. Fribourg, a director of International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF), purchased approximately 150,000 shares of the company’s common stock on the open market—both personally and through related entities—disclosing a total outlay of about US$10.9 million (roughly KRW 15 billion). During the same period, CEO J. Erik Fyrwald acquired around 14,000 shares over March 12–13, investing approximately US$990,000 (about KRW 1.3 billion) to increase his direct ownership. The filing also reported minor transactions through trust and foundation accounts for 2025–2026, although Fribourg noted that he does not control those accounts.

According to a late-March U.S. market filing, some institutional investors—including certain exchange-traded fund managers—have further raised their stakes in IFF. In its February release of full-year 2025 results and 2026 outlook, the company set targets for revenue growth and improved profitability, focusing on its core Taste, Fragrance and Biosciences segments.

IFF is a U.S.-based global supplier of flavors, fragrances and functional ingredients to brands in the food & beverage, personal care, household and pharmaceutical sectors. The company operates research and development centers and manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe and Asia. Since his appointment as CEO in 2024, Fyrwald has pursued cost-structure optimization and strategic innovation investments to strengthen IFF’s competitive position in the flavors and fragrances market.