A credo of success

Beirut native Gilbert Ghostine is a top manager on the move. After 21 years in a career with drinks company Diageo — known for its top selling brands such as Johnny Walker, Smirnoff and Guinness — he is transitioning into his new role as chief executive of Firmenich, a Swiss manufacturer of flavors and fragrances that had $3 billion in annual turnover as of 2013. Curious about his migration, Executive catches up with Ghostine by phone in Singapore as he prepares to walk onto his new job next month.   You are moving from the helm of Diageo Asia Pacific to become chief executive of a privately held company in the highly specialized manufacture of flavors and fragrances. Is there a message here for Lebanese graduates? As you know, there are very few global Lebanese CEOs, and I think the [message] is to inspire the new generation of Lebanese who are starting