Olaf Klinger
Biography
Olaf Klinger serves as Chief Financial Officer and Member of the Executive Board at Symrise AG, one of the world's leading suppliers of flavors, fragrances, and cosmetic ingredients. Since joining Symrise in February 2016, Klinger has established himself as a transformational finance leader, spearheading the company's capital market strategy and international expansion through strategic acquisitions. Under his financial leadership, Symrise has achieved remarkable growth milestones, including the successful integration of major acquisitions such as ADF/IDF in the USA, French fragrance experts Neroli and Romani, Canadian company Giraffe, and Chinese company Wing Pet Food. A hallmark of Klinger's tenure has been his commitment to sustainable finance, exemplified by his leadership in issuing Symrise's first ESG-linked bond worth €750 million, positioning the company at the forefront of responsible corporate financing. With over 25 years of experience in corporate finance across the chemical, pharmaceutical, and healthcare sectors, Klinger brings deep expertise in treasury management, investor relations, and complex cross-border transactions. His strategic vision extends beyond traditional CFO responsibilities, encompassing digital transformation initiatives and operational excellence programs that have strengthened Symrise's competitive position in global markets. Klinger's leadership philosophy emphasizes financial discipline combined with growth acceleration, enabling Symrise to maintain its industry-leading margins while pursuing ambitious expansion goals. His extensive international experience, including senior roles in Germany, Switzerland, and the United States, provides valuable insights for Symrise's global operations spanning over 40 countries.