Fraser I. Bell

Vice President of Advanced Research @K18 Hair

GB

Built R&D framework and directed Front-End Innovation programme for K18, establishing strategic pillars and technology platforms to support the new product development pipeline- Recruited and managed a high-performing team of scientists and implemented multi-year research collaborations with academic and commercial institutions, significantly expanding the brand’s R&D capacity- Elevated the scientific credibility of K18’s brand and products through technology and mechanistic understanding, applying advanced analytical insight techniques to support new claims and enhancing brand storytelling- Pioneered use of AI methodologies within R&D programme for new materials discovery- End-to-end development of a novel and market-first scalp care product and technology proposition by identifying unmet consumer needs, translation of insights from adjacent skincare science, and building a formulation and testing approach grounded in biological function and benefit delivery- Led R&D component within merger and acquisition process. Developed and structured the R&D management presentation used in the sale pitch, presenting the innovation roadmap and platform strategy to prospective buyers. Provided leadership through acquisition due diligence, responding to technical queries and compiling technical substantiation and claims evidence to validate the brand’s portfolio and technical pipeline- Post-acquisition, facilitated integration by leveraging Unilever’s broader research infrastructure and building a hybrid working model that enabled knowledge transfer, resource sharing, and capability building between the two organisations.

Heriot-Watt University

Bachelor of Science with Honours, Chemistry

Heriot-Watt University

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Polymer Chemistry