Dear Council on Competitiveness Members and Friends,
For four decades, an extraordinary group of members and leaders have defined, strengthened and stretched the Council on Competitiveness—a tradition that continues as we welcome our next Chair.
The Council’s Board and Executive Committee have unanimously elected Mr. J. Erik Fyrwald, CEO of International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF), as Chair of the Council on Competitiveness.
Erik’s appointment comes at a defining moment. As we approach our 40th anniversary in 2026, the United States faces unprecedented challenges and extraordinary opportunities. The convergence of transformative technologies—from AI to quantum, next-generation biotechnology, advanced nuclear, etc.—combined with intensifying global competition, underscores the urgency of the Council’s mission.
At this pivotal juncture, the Council is fortunate to gain a leader who will honor our tradition of innovation while expanding our impact in shaping the next economy.
Erik brings to the Council deep executive experience and a career-long commitment to science-driven solutions. At IFF, he has led a bold transformation—expanding global innovation hubs and forging breakthrough partnerships such as the Alpha Bio joint venture with Kemira. Across four decades of leadership at Syngenta, Univar Solutions, Ecolab, Nalco, and DuPont, he has consistently advanced innovation, sustainability, and productivity.
Erik also shares with his fellow Board members a distinctive vision for the Council as our country navigates an era of disruption and discontinuity. Drawing on his research, scientific, and business expertise, he has long been a champion of industries and sectors at the cutting edge of innovation. His vision also seamlessly aligns with the Council’s flagship National Commission on Innovation and Competitiveness Frontiers, including our emerging initiative to unlock the full potential of the U.S. bioeconomy.
Reflecting on his new role as Council Chair, Erik notes:
“Throughout my career, I’ve believed science and collaboration can solve the world’s toughest challenges. That’s what the Council is all about: it’s where CEOs, university presidents, labor leaders, and national lab directors can shape the future of American innovation and economic strength through a non-partisan voice, setting aside politics to achieve results.
What excites me most? The chance to accelerate the bioeconomy. From breakthrough biomanufacturing to sustainable agriculture, this sector is redefining how we feed, fuel, and heal the world. And it’s just getting started.
As Chair, I’m committed to helping the Council chart a bold growth agenda—one that invests in research, empowers the workforce, and ushers in the next wave of global innovation. Let’s build a future that’s competitive, inclusive, and sustainable. Follow the Council’s work and join the conversation. The time to lead is now.”
Council Chair Emeritus and Bank of America Chair and CEO Brian Moynihan also welcomed Erik’s election, stating:
“Erik is well positioned to be Chair of the Council given his deep business and scientific leadership. Erik’s expertise is well aligned to the priorities of the Council as it explores the frontiers of future productivity and prosperity. The Bank of America team looks forward to working with him.”
With Erik’s leadership, the Council enters a new era of strategic growth, collaboration, and impact—building on our history and driving forward toward a more competitive, innovative, and inclusive future.
Deborah L. Wince-Smith
President & CEO
Council on Competitiveness
Fyrwald: Shaping Strategies for Innovation, Growth, and Competitiveness
Erik Fyrwald joined IFF as Chief Executive Officer in February 2024.
Erik brings to IFF more than four decades of executive and operational experience driving innovation and profitable, sustainable growth at leading corporations in the nutrition, agriculture, and high-performance materials industries. His strategic vision has been instrumental in positioning IFF as a leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, health and biosciences.
Previously, he held the role of Chief Executive Officer of Syngenta, where he helped establish Syngenta Group as a leading player in agriculture for global food security, sustainability, and regenerative agriculture. During his tenure, he oversaw the company’s exponential growth.
Prior to Syngenta, Erik was the Chief Executive Officer of Univar Solutions, a leading global chemical and ingredient distributor and services provider; President of Ecolab, a global leader in water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services; and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nalco, which was acquired by Ecolab in 2011.
Earlier in his career, he held positions of increasing responsibility at DuPont, where he focused on strategic planning and leadership of regional and global business units, including as President of the DuPont Agriculture and Nutrition Division.
Erik has served on the Board of Directors of Eli Lilly since 2005.
Erik holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Delaware and has completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.
