Gill Westgate

I have always been driven by finding out how things work. Back at the start of my career, a love of cell biology was nurtured at Unilever’s Colworth Laboratory and this started a life-long exploration of hair follicle biology and finding out how this tiny structure produces one of the most amazing materials - hair. Unilever also introduced me to the cosmetics & beauty industry and the excitement of new product development, claims support, and consumer insights whilst launching the world’s first ‘root nourishing’ hair care brand.

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Although I ‘fell’ into my career in this sector, I will always appreciate the fantastic opportunities it has given me, not least latterly over 20 years working as a consultant with many wonderful businesses in the UK and internationally.

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Jumping forward to 2025 and it was a delight to celebrate CCUK’s 5th birthday at the University of Bradford where I spent several years working with top academics building excellent business partnerships with companies in the cosmetics sector. It has been a privilege to work with our CCUK members on many projects - in my case rooted in research and innovation and critiquing the education opportunities for young people at the early stages of their careers in the industry.

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Outside of work - you will find me on the golf course or working on another mad project in my garden!