Red Bank, NJ – November 18, 2025 – Phoenix Flavors & Fragrances proudly announces the retirement of John Pascale, Master Perfumer
and one of the fragrance industry’s most respected creative talents.
Pascale, who has spent more than five decades shaping the world of fine fragrance and
olfactory artistry, concludes his extraordinary career following his receipt of the
Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Perfumers (ASP)
at the 2024 World Perfumery Congress in Geneva.
Reflecting on Pascale’s impact, James Unrath, President of Phoenix Flavors & Fragrances,
shared how integral he was to the company’s earliest days. “I had known John for over 20
years, so when the idea of starting a new company first came up in 2005, there was only one
man I had in mind—and that was John. Ascent Aromatics needed a perfumer who could do it
all: creation, GC, chemistry, applications, and sales. Without John, Ascent would not have
survived those early days. Because of him, we not only endured but thrived, growing
Ascent—now Phoenix F&F—into what it is today.”
Unrath continued, “John is a master of his craft and has passed that knowledge on to several
exceptionally talented perfumers, all of whom are thriving. That alone speaks volumes about
John’s character; he is committed to keeping the art of perfumery strong for generations to
come.” Pascale’s career with Phoenix Flavors & Fragrances has been defined by exceptional creativity,
an uncompromising commitment to quality, and a rare ability to mentor emerging perfumers. His
formulations have appeared in countless iconic products across personal care, home fragrance,
and fine fragrance categories, leaving an indelible mark on consumers and colleagues
worldwide. Pascale has been a dedicated member of ASP since May 1982, and served as the
organization’s President from 1987-1988. In November 2000, he was the recipient of The
William P. Lambert Service Award for many years of dedicated service and outstanding
contributions to the fragrance profession.
Alex Nunez, Vice President of Perfumery, shares, “John Pascale has been more than just a
colleague, he has been a mentor, a friend, and an inspiration. His commitment to perfumery
and unwavering kindness has left a lasting mark on our team here at Phoenix and the entire
Flavor and Fragrance industry. While we will miss John’s presence in the office, we are very
excited for him as he begins a new chapter in life filled with well-deserved rest, new adventures,
and time with his family.”
Pascale’s 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award recognized not only his technical mastery and
enduring contributions to perfumery, but also his long-standing commitment to education and
creative collaboration. Throughout his career, he championed innovation while preserving the
traditions and values central to the perfuming discipline.
Pascale quips, “Perfumers never die; they evaporate.”
Phoenix Flavors & Fragrances will host a private celebration in honor of Pascale’s retirement
and plans to attend the Women in Flavor and Fragrance (WFFC) Annual Gala to celebrate with him.