Leading with Pride: Get to Know Gui Luiz Augusto 

Inclusion at IFF: A Global Commitment in Action

As we celebrate LGBT History Month, we proudly spotlight the courage, creativity, and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community, both past and present. Since launching PRISMA in 2017, our LGBTQIA+ Colleague Community, we’ve built a worldwide network of visibility, support, and empowerment. What began as a grassroots effort has grown into a global movement, connecting employees across continents and fostering a culture where everyone can thrive and contribute meaningfully. 

“For us inclusion isn’t just a policy—it’s a promise we live every day. We believe that when people feel safe to be themselves, they unlock their full potential to innovate, collaborate, and lead. PRISMA is a powerful example of how grassroots passion can grow into a organizational movement—one that connects colleagues across regions and backgrounds and fosters a culture where everyone belongs.” — Ralf Finzel, EVP, Global Operations Officer 

In 2019, IFF became the first in our industry to join the UN Standards of Conduct for Business, taking a firm stand against discrimination toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex people. We also proudly support the Business Coalition for the Equality Act, advocating for protections that ensure everyone—regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity—is treated with dignity and fairness in the workplace and beyond. 

Budapest 2019

This commitment is reflected in the lived experiences of our people—like Guilherme (Gui) Luiz Augusto, Marketing Director, Scent – Fine Fragrance and PRISMA’s founding member—who helps shape IFF’s global culture of belonging every day. 

Meet Gui: A Journey of Representation and Leadership 

Having joined the Company in 2017 as part of the Scent division, Gui quickly became a driving force behind PRISMA’s growth and global reach.

  

From Local Roots to Global Reach   

What started as small, local actions in cities like São Paulo, New York, Hilversum, and Mexico City has grown into a truly global movement. When the pandemic pushed us to connect virtually, PRISMA’s reach expanded, bringing together colleagues and external voices to raise awareness and build inclusive communities around the world. In PRISMA’s early days, that momentum helped IFF earn the “Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality” designation from the Human Rights Corporate Equality Index for two consecutive years and earning a perfect score of 100 from the Index for consecutive years for a number of years in the 2020’s for LGBTQ+ equality and workplace inclusion. Today, we offer broad educational materials and clearer workplace policies that support an inclusive workplace.

Spain 2025

“All of this is really meaningful not just for LGBTQIA+ colleagues, but also for allies. They play a key role in creating a more inclusive and empowering environment for everyone.”  – Gui, Marketing Director, Scent

Empowering a Global Workforce 

Small gestures—like a rainbow logo or a colleague wearing a Pride pin—can send a powerful message, but our commitment to inclusion goes far beyond symbolism. It’s reflected in the strength of our collective colleague communities/employee resource group. These groups foster visibility, allyship and empowerment across every region and creating spaces where employees can bring their authentic selves to work and thrive. Learn about our groups below:

• Women@IFF: To create an inclusive space where women can advance their skills and leadership potential through connection, mentorship, collaboration and discussion.
• PRISMA: To lead the way in sustaining a culture that welcomes our LGBTIQ+ colleagues in bringing their authentic selves to work and celebrating Pride around the world, while ensuring IFF remains an inclusive workplace for all colleagues.
• SERVE@IFF (Supporting Emergency Responders and Veterans Engagement): To provide a supportive setting for employees who serve or have served their communities in selfless and, at times, dangerous situations.
• BE@IFF (Black Excellence): To advocate for and support an inclusive and equitable environment for all Black employees across the globe at IFF.
•  AccessAbilities@IFF: To provide a community for colleagues who care about disability, learning differences, special needs or neurodiversity, whether for themselves or a child, relative or friend.
• NextGen@IFF: To promote the next generation of our leaders.
• ACE@IFF (Asian Colleagues for Equity, Empowerment & Excellence): Promotes an inclusive and empowered environment for colleagues of Asian heritage and their allies
• UNIDOS: Aims to make us stronger through better representation, advancement and inclusion of Latinx colleagues and their allies.

Allyship Lives Here 

Allyship isn’t just encouraged; it’s embedded in how we lead, collaborate, and grow together. Whether you’re part of the LGBTQIA+ community or an ally, you’ll find a workplace where inclusion is real, visible and actionable. 

According to Gui, being an ally starts with three simple, yet powerful steps: 

• Raising Awareness – Understand why inclusion matters and how companies like IFF are setting the standard through global initiatives and bold commitments. 
• Getting Educated – Embrace continuous learning to better respect your colleagues and challenge outdated behaviors. 
• Taking Action – From joining an employee resource group to speaking up against discrimination, every action helps build a more inclusive workplace. 

With a strong foundation in awareness and education, PRISMA is stepping confidently into its next chapter.  

Do you want to be part of this extraordinary community? Join Us. Explore a career at IFF.