Richard Slater
Richard was appointed Chief R&D Officer in April 2019 and is part of the Unilever Leadership Executive (ULE).
Chief R&D Officer
In his role as Chief R&D Officer, Richard is accountable for the development of R&D as a key growth driver for Unilever. This includes oversight of strategy and innovation across the three Divisions and leadership of key cross-R&D capabilities; Safety & Environmental Assurance (SEAC), Regulatory Affairs, Digital, Packaging and Operations.
Richard joined Unilever from GSK, where he held the position of Head of R&D for GSK Consumer Healthcare, part of the Executive Leadership Team and leading a transformation of R&D and innovation capability and performance.
Prior to GSK, Richard spent nine years at Reckitt Benckiser in a variety of R&D leadership roles across Consumer Healthcare, Personal Care and FMCG. He led the successful integration of several major acquisitions, and delivery of significant innovation platforms and growth across multiple categories and brands.
Richard started his career at Boots Healthcare International. He worked across various R&D and Supply technical, project management and leadership roles for global Consumer Healthcare and Personal Care brands.
Richard has a BSc (hons) in Microbiology from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne (UK). He is married with three sons and lives in the UK.
History
2019: Joined Unilever as Chief R&D Officer
2014: Head of R&D, Consumer Healthcare, GSK
2012: Head of R&D, Consumer Healthcare, Reckitt Benckiser (RB)
2010: Global Group Director / VP R&D Personal Care, RB
2008: Global Director R&D, Aircare, RB
2006: Global Director R&D, Analgesics & New Brands, RB
1999: various roles, Consumer Healthcare, Boots Healthcare International