China-born and France-trained perfumer Steve Guo is joining Firmenich’s Fine Fragrance team in China.

“Steve brings with him a deep understanding of Eastern and Western cultures and habits, together with a strong, prize-winning background in fine fragrance and a number of signature scents to his name,” said Firmenich in a release.

With over nine years of experience in the industry, Steve Guo was born in Beijing and moved to France to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry at the University of Strasbourg and a master’s degree in Engineering of Cosmetic, Flavors and Fragrances at the University of Montpellier 2. He trained in Grasse then moved to Paris, staying for three years working as a perfumer, and relocated back to China in 2021 before joining the Firmenich Fine Fragrance atelier in Shanghai in 2023.

“In our continuing efforts to elevate creativity in the perfume industry, we are very happy to welcome such a talented perfumer to our Firmenich Fine Fragrance team in our Shanghai atelier,” said Jerry Vittoria, Senior Vice President, Fine Fragrance. “Steve’s knowledge and insights on the perfumery market in China, the highest growing region in terms of rising local brands, will give added value to our clients. It will also reinforce our pioneering leadership in this market, since we opened our Fine Fragrance atelier in Shanghai in 2019.”

In 2017, Steve created Chypre 24, his fragrance that won The International Perfumer’s Prize, a competition organized by the Société Française des Parfumeurs (SFP). First established in 1957, the prize recognizes a perfume whose olfactive form is distinguished by its original character.

“He is our first Chinese Fine Fragrance Perfumer who has worked in both France and China,” shared Olivier Viejo, VP Fine Fragrance, Asia on Steve’s appointment. “We have big plans for China involving future ingredients capabilities, immersive collaboration and co-creation opportunities for clients. He will be a strong asset for the Shanghai team, reinforcing the company’s expertise with international brands that prioritize China.”

Steve describes his creative process as an opportunity to travel in a world of illusions and is fascinated by where is imagination can lead.