Swiss nutrition, health and beauty group dsm-firmenich has appointed Richard Ridinger as chairman of its board of directors following a shareholder vote. He succeeds Thomas Leysen, who is stepping down after helping shape the company’s strategic direction and future growth plans.
Shareholders confirmed the appointment at an extraordinary general meeting on October 19, 2026. The company had first announced its decision on August 18. In addition to his new role as chairman, Ridinger will join the board’s remuneration committee.
Ridinger has served as an independent director at dsm-firmenich since 2023. His previous experience with Firmenich, before its merger with DSM, gives him a strong understanding of the business and its development.
Ridinger brings more than 30 years of international experience across life sciences, speciality chemicals and healthcare. A key stage of his career was leading Lonza from 2012 to 2019, when he oversaw its transformation into a leading global player in life sciences.
Before joining Lonza, he held several senior management positions at Cognis and Henkel. His responsibilities included research and development, operations and business management, giving him experience across different areas of industrial and scientific businesses.
His connection with dsm-firmenich also goes back several years. He joined Firmenich’s board of directors in 2016 and served until 2023. During this period, he served on the finance, audit, and risk committee, as well as the scientific advisory board.
Following the merger of DSM and Firmenich, Ridinger joined the board of the combined company in 2023 as an independent director. He has also served on its nomination and governance committee.
Ridinger takes over from Thomas Leysen, whose tenure set the company’s strategic direction and prepared it for its next phase of growth. The board acknowledged Leysen’s contribution and commitment, particularly his role in establishing a foundation for the group’s future development.
The leadership change comes as dsm-firmenich continues to focus on its core businesses after selling its Animal Nutrition and Health business. The company operates across nutrition, health and beauty, serving customers in multiple markets worldwide.
Listed on Euronext Amsterdam and the SIX Swiss Exchange, dsm-firmenich operates in nearly 60 countries and employs approximately 21,000 people. After selling its Animal Nutrition and Health business, the group generates more than €9 billion in revenue from its continuing operations.
With Ridinger taking over as chairman, the company gains a leader with experience in life sciences, international business management, and corporate governance, as well as a long-standing understanding of Firmenich and the merged group.
His appointment marks a new chapter in the board’s leadership as dsm-firmenich continues to develop its business across nutrition, health and beauty.
