Iberchem Welcomes Three New Perfumers from Its IRIS Program
Since its launch over 20 years ago, this in-house training program has enabled the promotion of more than fifteen perfumers who have gone on to build successful careers within the company.
Iberchem continues to invest in training and internal talent promotion for technical positions, appointing three new perfumers from its renowned IRIS program.
The IRIS program is designed for recent chemistry graduates aiming for technical roles. With a flexible duration adapted to the skills and needs of each participant, the program offers a comprehensive training path that includes rotations through key departments and markets such as chemical analysis, perfumery, evaluation, regulation, and technology.
For perfumers, the program focuses on developing expertise in the analysis and quality control of raw materials, while training the nose and building technical, regulatory, and marketing knowledge across different olfactory profiles, markets, and market segments.
Today, we speak with Iberchem’s newest junior perfumers: Andrea Fernández (BSc in Chemistry from the University of Granada, MSc in Molecular Simulation), Juan Cánovas (BSc in Chemistry from the University of Murcia, MSc in Sustainable Chemistry), and Laila El Anzi (BSc in Chemistry and MSc in Analytical Chemistry) about their experience in the IRIS program.
What has your training consisted of?
Andrea Fernández [AF]: My training has been a journey of learning and constant growth within the company. Since joining Iberchem, I have worked in the chemical analysis laboratory, where I gained knowledge of the different profiles of our raw materials, both on an analytical and an olfactory level.
In addition, I’ve had the chance to get to know how the various technical departments operate, which has allowed me to better understand the internal processes behind creating perfumes and to integrate knowledge more effectively. Now, I’m enthusiastically taking on a new challenge in the creative department, where I will continue to develop and keep learning every day from my colleagues who are perfumers with remarkable careers.
What has been most relevant for your career as a perfumer?
Juan Cánovas [JC]: During my training within the IRIS program, finding the balance between technique and creativity has been essential to the development of my career as a perfumer. My experience in the analytical department has helped me gain a deeper understanding of the structure and behavior of perfume molecules in different applications, while also allowing me to become familiar with all the raw materials and to develop both my intuition and my olfactory skills to translate concepts into fragrance compositions.
Working in this dynamic environment, surrounded by professionals with diverse perspectives, has given me the chance to acquire a wide range of knowledge and to better understand market trends and needs. This continuous learning has been key to shaping a versatile and creative profile in my compositions, ensuring that each fragrance has its own identity and meets its purpose.
What new challenges are you facing as a perfumer?
Laila El Anzi: Unlike my time in the chemical analysis department, where precision and methodology were key, I now must train my nose to recognize the subtleties and nuances of each ingredient, as well as how they evolve within a composition. This transition involves constant, in-depth learning, where olfactory memory and the balance between science and intuition play an important role.
Another challenge is learning to adapt to the shifting trends of the perfume industry, which is in constant evolution not only in terms of consumer tastes and preferences, but also regarding environmental regulations and legislative restrictions. Finally, there’s the challenge of finding innovative solutions while defining my own style. But my time in the IRIS program has given me a solid foundation that I can now apply from a more creative perspective.
