For forty years, Sensory Spectrum has consistently pushed forward the development of the sensory science field guided by the scientific rigor, innovative spirit, and passion of our founder, Gail Vance Civille. In 1986, Gail founded Sensory Spectrum with a vision for advancing sensory science through methodology, education, and partnership. Her work has helped shape industry standards and practices while building a company centered on expertise, collaboration, innovation, and a sense of fun.
Gail's vision and the foundation she built have been strengthened by the leadership of many talented individuals over the years. We want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the immense contributions of Bob Baron, whose dedication to our clients, employees, and mission helped steer Sensory Spectrum through an important period of growth and prepare us for the next phase of our evolution. We are deeply grateful to Bob for his leadership and the lasting impact he has had on our company.
As Bob prepares for his retirement at the end of the year, we are excited to announce a new leadership team that will carry forward the principles, culture, and scientific excellence that have always defined Sensory Spectrum while positioning us for the opportunities ahead.
We are pleased to announce that Susan Hooge will become CEO and Chief Strategy & Operational Officer (SCOO), with Annlyse Retiveau Krogmann taking on the role of Chief Growth Officer (CGO).
These leadership appointments exemplify one of our core values: investing in and developing strong talents and leaders from within our organization. Their appointments reflect decades of leadership development, mentorship, and thoughtful succession planning that have long been part of Sensory Spectrum's approach to building a strong organization.
Susan joined Sensory Spectrum in January 2022 as Director of Managed Sensory Partnerships and has played a key role in the growth and evolution of the company. She has led the Managed Sensory Partnerships group while driving the development of new service offerings, including Spectrum Descriptive Panel Accreditation. Susan later expanded her leadership responsibilities to include management of the Client Interface team, helping strengthen client engagement and cross-functional collaboration across the organization. Throughout her tenure, Susan has combined strategic vision, operational excellence, and a commitment to innovation while championing the collaborative culture that defines Sensory Spectrum.
Annlyse joined the Spectrum family more than two decades ago and has been a key contributor to the company's advancement over the past two decades. Over the course of her career, she has built deep and enduring client partnerships, led strategic growth initiatives, and played an integral role in developing teams, mentoring future leaders, and strengthening the relationships and collaborative environment that make Sensory Spectrum unique. Her deep understanding of both clients and the business along with her experience bridging client needs with organizational capabilities, positions her well to lead Sensory Spectrum’s growth strategy, while ensuring the company remains responsive to the evolving needs of the industries it serves.
Together, Susan and Annlyse bring a powerful combination of experience, vision, and commitment to our mission. Their careers reflect the depth of knowledge, leadership development, and institutional understanding that have long distinguished Sensory Spectrum. Building on that foundation, they will lead the company forward while preserving the principles that have guided us for four decades.
Susan and Annlyse will continue to work alongside other members of the Sensory Spectrum's experienced senior leadership team, including Lee Stapleton, Nicole Butkiewicz, and Liz Suter. Supported by both longtime team members and new employees who continue to broaden our expertise and strengthen our capabilities, this leadership team reflects the depth of knowledge, talent, and commitment that define Sensory Spectrum. As always, Gail will remain actively involved in the company's strategic direction in her role as founder and owner, providing vital guidance as we enter this next exciting chapter.
For our clients and partners, this transition represents continuity as much as change. The teams, expertise, and dedication to scientific excellence that support your work remain firmly in place.
While this moment marks a leadership change, it also highlights something deeper. The knowledge, collaborative spirit, and relationships that have defined Sensory Spectrum's success are being carried forward by leaders who know our company, believe in its future, and are prepared to build on its legacy. Together, Susan and Annlyse will advance the vision Gail established, the foundation strengthened by Bob's leadership, and the principles that have guided Sensory Spectrum for forty years.
This is the strength of Sensory Spectrum. This is who we are.
