Mary Kay appoints new chief scientific officer

Dr. Gildea will be based at the company’s global headquarters in Addison, Texas, which is a 20 minute drive away from its brand new research and development facility in Lewisville, which is due to be completed in the first half of 2018.

In recent years Mary Kay has developed its innovation pipeline into one of the most prolific in the direct sales cosmetics and beauty segment through a series of large scale investments.

Ramping up the innovation pipeline​

As a result of this focus, the company currently holds more than 1,300 patents for products, technology and packaging design, with more than 160 added to this number in 2016 alone

Dr. Gildea will be charged with adding to the momentum of the innovation pipeline and will also play a major part in overseeing the smooth opening of the new R&D facility.

“The opportunity to serve as the new Chief Scientific Officer for Mary Kay Inc. allows me to marry my passions for science, innovation and empowering women,” ​said Dr. Gildea.

Extensive experience at P&G​

Before joining the Mary Kay team, Dr. Gildea had spend 15 years with Procter & Gamblefocused on itshealth care, oral care, beauty technology and beauty/skin product development.

Dr. Gildea has a bachelor’s degree in biology from Georgetown College and a PhD Cell and Molecular Biology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases from the University of Cincinnati.

“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, chief supply chain officer for Mary Kay.