I had the privilege of working closely with Joanna, as one of the co-founders of Pandora since 2003, offering training and consultancy to the fine fragrance industry. Her wealth of knowledge, communication skills, sense of humour, lightness of touch, professionalism and integrity made her a uniquely valued colleague and friend.
Some of you may know that Jo was diagnosed with a rare form of head and neck cancer over thirty years ago. She defied medical science and courageously determined that she would live life to the full.
Her professional history exemplifies her multi-faceted nature, starting her career in the fragrance industry with IFF in London and Paris, where she mastered all aspects of fragrance development, marketing, sales and training.
Jo took time out in 2000 to complete an M Phil in the history of fragrance and fashion at the RCA. This marked a turning point in her professional career – a life changing experience which was pivotal in her decision to become an independent consultant for the fragrance industry and academia.
All who knew and worked with Jo were inspired by her energy, enthusiasm, compassion and generosity, whether as an Associate Lecturer with Kingston and Southampton Universities, a director of Pandora, a field tutor for the ICATS diploma, a co-founder of the ground-breaking ‘Design with Scents’ courses, as Chair of Judges for the Jasmine Awards or as a member of the Education Committee of the Fragrance Foundation UK, where she helped to pioneer the use of the sense of smell in primary education, and so much more.
Joanna’s passing leaves a deep sense of loss.
John Ayres/25.09.18