Mary Kay Appoints Dr. Lucy Gildea as Chief Brand and Scientific Officer
To support future expansion, Mary Kay Inc., a globally recognized leader in beauty and entrepreneurship, has named Dr. Lucy Gildea as its new Chief Brand and Scientific Officer.
In this expanded leadership role, Dr. Gildea will head a newly structured cross-functional team designed to implement a refreshed operating model that strengthens Mary Kay’s global brand and scientific innovation. The goal is to drive business growth and deepen customer loyalty across more than 40 international markets.
Her responsibilities will include unifying brand identity, strategy, and image across all platforms and regions, supported by a dynamic product lineup that reflects the changing preferences of consumers. She and her team will also lead efforts to bring the brand to life through compelling engagement strategies, innovative storytelling, and by connecting with the next generation of entrepreneurs.
“Lucy’s scientific expertise and focus on customer-driven innovation will guide our evolution into an exciting new era,” said Ryan Rogers, CEO of Mary Kay and grandson of the company’s founder, Mary Kay Ash. “This newly formed Global Brand and Science team will help empower our Independent Beauty Consultants by enhancing the customer experience and reinforcing the unique value of our direct selling model.”
Dr. Gildea joined Mary Kay in 2017 and has since played a key role in strengthening the company’s competitiveness through product development and operational improvements. Prior to that, she spent 15 years at Procter & Gamble, where she specialized in beauty technology and skincare innovation. Her roles included leading development teams across healthcare, beauty, and personal care, and she gained global market insights during her time in Singapore.
Reflecting on her new role, Dr. Gildea stated, “Mary Kay was founded on the vision of enriching women’s lives with scientifically backed products. By aligning our brand and science efforts, I believe we can better meet the evolving needs of our global customers and inspire future growth. I’m excited to create synergy across teams and build deeper connections with our Independent Beauty Consultants and a new generation of consumers.”
Dr. Gildea holds a Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, along with a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Immunology through a joint program with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and the University of Cincinnati. She also earned her undergraduate degree in Biology from Georgetown College in Kentucky.
A strong advocate for women in STEM, Dr. Gildea serves on the Board of the Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation and as a Board Advisor to the Baylor Scott & White Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center.
This strategic appointment reinforces Mary Kay’s commitment to empowering women, a core part of the company’s heritage. Currently, women make up 63% of its research and development team, 54% of its executive leadership, and 63% of its global workforce.
In this expanded leadership role, Dr. Gildea will head a newly structured cross-functional team designed to implement a refreshed operating model that strengthens Mary Kay’s global brand and scientific innovation. The goal is to drive business growth and deepen customer loyalty across more than 40 international markets.
Her responsibilities will include unifying brand identity, strategy, and image across all platforms and regions, supported by a dynamic product lineup that reflects the changing preferences of consumers. She and her team will also lead efforts to bring the brand to life through compelling engagement strategies, innovative storytelling, and by connecting with the next generation of entrepreneurs.
“Lucy’s scientific expertise and focus on customer-driven innovation will guide our evolution into an exciting new era,” said Ryan Rogers, CEO of Mary Kay and grandson of the company’s founder, Mary Kay Ash. “This newly formed Global Brand and Science team will help empower our Independent Beauty Consultants by enhancing the customer experience and reinforcing the unique value of our direct selling model.”
Dr. Gildea joined Mary Kay in 2017 and has since played a key role in strengthening the company’s competitiveness through product development and operational improvements. Prior to that, she spent 15 years at Procter & Gamble, where she specialized in beauty technology and skincare innovation. Her roles included leading development teams across healthcare, beauty, and personal care, and she gained global market insights during her time in Singapore.
Reflecting on her new role, Dr. Gildea stated, “Mary Kay was founded on the vision of enriching women’s lives with scientifically backed products. By aligning our brand and science efforts, I believe we can better meet the evolving needs of our global customers and inspire future growth. I’m excited to create synergy across teams and build deeper connections with our Independent Beauty Consultants and a new generation of consumers.”
Dr. Gildea holds a Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, along with a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Immunology through a joint program with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and the University of Cincinnati. She also earned her undergraduate degree in Biology from Georgetown College in Kentucky.
A strong advocate for women in STEM, Dr. Gildea serves on the Board of the Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation and as a Board Advisor to the Baylor Scott & White Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center.
This strategic appointment reinforces Mary Kay’s commitment to empowering women, a core part of the company’s heritage. Currently, women make up 63% of its research and development team, 54% of its executive leadership, and 63% of its global workforce.
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