Pros
Largest, most established, flavor and fragrance firm. Very respected by customers. Huge palette of flavors and fragrances.
Cons
Givaudan hires experienced people, and rarely trains from the inside. i.e. opposite of Procter & Gamble (only know people that have worked there). Schitzophrenic company. Many groups are so insulated from what others are doing. It has an insular network of people that have problems sharing knowledge, due to the high turnover of employees. Like many large companies, you are either chosen to lead, or chosen to be a pair of hands - and the twain shall never meet. Basically, the people who care and want to make a difference are not given a chance, forced to pay their dues all over again, and ultimately are not listened to. Outside consultants are constantly hired to screw things up. A very conservative, slow moving, company that allows only a select elite handful of 20-years-employeed to act as the fast paced show-stoppers. Once you are hired - get in line, there a busload of people ahead of you who are adept at politics but inept in true innovation. HR has had more turnover than anywhere else. Incredible list of people I know that haven't lasted more than 2-3 years. Cincinnati and Switzerland - not known for bucking the trend - in my not at all humble opinion.