News and Insights
The Fragrance Foundation Taps FINN Partners to Lead DEI Strategy and Communications
October 15, 2021
Assignment begins with National Launch of #FRAGRANCEFORWARDTFF New Industry-Wide Initiative to Advance Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Multi-Billion-Dollar Fragrance Industry
NEW YORK, October 15, 2021 – The Fragrance Foundation (TFF), the premier resource for industry expertise, innovation, and education, has named FINN Partners as global AOR. FINN will oversee communications and strategies related to #FragranceForwardTFF, a sweeping new initiative to advance, increase and sustain measurable levels of diversity, equity and inclusion in the multi-billion-dollar fragrance industry. The win further expands FINN’s footprint in the corporate and institutional DEI strategic counsel sector, joining its roster in hospitality, healthcare, arts and entertainment, and technology. Helen Shelton, FINN’s Global Chief Diversity Officer, and head of multicultural marketing, is overseeing the work with her team.
In support of #FragranceForwardTFF, FINN is collaborating with The Fragrance Foundation to organize Industry Perspectives on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, a free webinar on Wednesday, October 20 at 12:00 PM EST: register here. The virtual event will bring to the fore the dynamism, excitement and challenges of building a career in the fragrance industry with real-time insights from pioneering professionals including: Chris Collins, Founder, World of Chris Collins; Corey Smith; Head of Diversity and Inclusion for North America, LVMH; Rob Smith, CEO and Founder, The Phluid Project; and Linda Song, Senior Perfumer, Givaudan. Ms. Shelton will moderate the discussion.
“FINN Partners has the proven expertise and values to help drive us forward as The Fragrance Foundation galvanizes our members and the entire industry to make representation a priority,” says Linda G. Levy, President, The Fragrance Foundation. “We will not stop until our industry is a true reflection of the total population we serve. The strategic counsel and track record we are receiving from FINN Partners is already helping us achieve our goals for a dedicated, sustainable – and impactful – effort.”
“Helping companies and organizations take action when it comes to DEI is a passion of mine, and a mandate from Peter Finn when he founded the Agency 10 years ago with a commitment to diversity,” adds Helen Shelton. “Historically excluded communities deserve access and opportunities. #FragranceForwardTFF is designed to make this a reality in an industry that, while fairly homogenous, is global and diverse in its appeal to consumers of all backgrounds. It’s time for the industry to reflect that. Simply put, fragrance is a self-care luxury that everyone can enjoy. I could not be more honored to work alongside the Linda Levy and her team at The Fragrance Foundation as they strive towards a more inclusive industry.”
A major element of #FragranceForwardTFF is the creation of an industry-wide, Fragrance Foundation DEI Signatory Pledge. TFF’s 100+ members – that include both independent and corporate entities – will commit not only to furthering their respective DEI goals, but also pledging to support TFF in building and shaping #FragranceForwardTFF in the months and years ahead.
FINN is also collaborating with The Fragrance Foundation on a series of virtual listening sessions and tours of institutions of higher learning to engage with students and to discuss ways in which they might enter the field. A Scents of Success: Building a Career in the Fragrance Industry career path series premiered this month with students, faculty and alumni during Homecoming at Spelman College, an Historically Black institution in Atlanta. The session will be led by Ms. Levy along with Spelman alumna Sharné Jackson, TFF’s Senior Director of Events, Education & Give Back.
“Committing to diversity, equity and inclusion in business is not only the right thing to do, but the most important – and most urgent thing we can do – especially today,” concludes Peter Finn. “The DEI strategic counsel we offer our clients is built on knowledge, expertise and dedication. We are very grateful for the opportunity to utilize our capabilities in collaboration with an industry powerhouse such as The Fragrance Foundation.”