A new chief scientific officer is joining the Mary Kay team from Procter & Gamble.
The beauty company has appointed Dr. Lucy Gildea to lead its global research and development operation. Texas-based Mary Kay, which manufactures a wide range of skin care, color cosmetics and fragrances, holds more than 1,300 patents for its products, technologies and packaging designs. Gildea will drive continued innovation and the company’s wider product strategy.
“Dr. Gildea’s proven track record and success to embed high-efficacy science in the personal care product industry will enhance Mary Kay’s ability to provide innovative products and technology that consumers are unable to find elsewhere,” said Thomas Cho, Mary Kay Chief Supply Chain Officer.
The company’s new R&D chief also brings experience in Asian markets, having lived in Singapore during her tenure with P&G. In 15 years with the consumer products giant, Gildea worked in health care, oral care, beauty technology and beauty product development as a senior scientist and later associate director. She holds a Ph.D. in cell and molecular biology, immunology and infectious diseases from the University of Cincinnati.
In the company’s announcement, Gildea said the new role will tap into her passions for science, innovation and empowering women. “Through leading Mary Kay’s Global Research and Development, I am excited to be on the front lines of innovation to create beauty products that invigorate our independent salesforce, as well as their customers, around the world,” said Gildea.
R&D capacity will expand with the opening of Mary Kay’s new global manufacturing and R&D facility, now under construction in North Texas, near Mary Kay headquarters. The $125 million facility is expected to open in the first quarter of 2018.
