German flavor and fragrance manufacturer Symrise has announced that ceo Gerold Linzbach would not be extending his contract beyond October 2009. “My decision to leave Symrise at the end of my contract has been made for personal reasons. The business remains strong and stable and is performing in line with market expectations,” Linzbach said in a statement. “I have given the Board my personal commitment to work with my colleagues to continue to develop the business […] and to ensure an orderly handover to my successor.”

Symrise will immediately begin recruitment for a successor, the company said.