London, 17 October 2011 - Symrise, a global manufacturer of fragrances and flavours, will implement Lumesse Talent Management for 3,000 employees across 21 countries. Lumesse was chosen after a competitive international evaluation by Symrise of talent management providers. Symrise is recognised for its commitment to good human resources management policies. As part of this, Symrise has developed a strategic, long-term plan to enhance its international competitiveness through employer branding that is fully aligned to both employee development and corporate objectives.

Dr. Inigo Natzel, Corporate Vice President of Human Resources at Symrise notes: "From the start of the business to our IPO through to the present day, we have always relied on our employees - on their dedication and determination to succeed. In recognition of this, as well as our commitment to developing our employees, the introduction of transparent, efficient talent management processes is an important step, which also underlines the intention of Symrise to be an Employer of Choice."

Currently, 5,300 Symrise employees in more than 35 countries produce over 30,000 different products that are sold in 140 countries. The objectives for the introduction of Lumesse Talent Management are highly global: the system will manage 3,000 employees, supporting 30 HR managers using six languages ​​(German, English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Chinese) in making key staff decisions. In total, the solution is set to be available across 21 countries within six months.

Symrise's previous HR processes for performance management and succession, in the much more internationalised company that it is today, were no longer sufficient. The implementation of the Lumesse solution is designed to offer faster and more efficient operations throughout the Company's global organisation. The implementation is based on a two-year plan with four stages. In a first step Symrise will implement a target and appraisal process based on Lumesse Performance Management. Further phases will focus on career and succession planning and competency management. The final stage will involve the implementation of a 360-degree feedback process within Symrise.

Dr. Natzel doesn't just have clear plans for the future of the company's talent management strategy - he also believes that the benefits the project will bring to employees will be key to its success:

"Through a wide-ranging package of measures, we will be able to focus much more closely on our employees and to use their potential more effectively. Having an overall strategy in human resources management helps us to develop careers and increase the satisfaction of the employees. These are all important indicators of the long term success of Symrise."

Matthew Parker, CEO of Lumesse adds: "Globally operating companies like Symrise are increasingly recognising the value of international talent management strategies that increase their competitiveness, maximise the investment they have in people, and deliver inspiring careers to their staff."

About Symrise

Symrise is a global supplier of fragrances, flavourings, cosmetic active ingredients, and raw materials as well as functional ingredients. Its clients include manufacturers of perfumes, cosmetics and foods, the pharmaceutical industry, and producers of nutritional supplements.

Its sales of €1.572 billion in 2010 place Symrise among the top four in the global flavours and fragrances market. Headquartered in Holzminden, Germany, the Company is represented in over 35 countries in Europe, Asia, the United States, and Latin America.

Symrise works with its clients to develop new ideas and market-ready concepts for products that form an indispensable part of everyday life. In doing so, Symrise combines its insights into consumer trends with cutting-edge technologies, focusing on innovative trend and lifestyle products that have additional practical value for the consumer.

www.symrise.com