Niamh Holt
Strategic R&D, innovation and product development leader
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About
Strategic R&D, innovation and product development leader with 20+ years of experience across healthcare, nutrition, cosmetics and consumer products. Combines deep scientific and formulation expertise with packaging leadership, project and programme management, and commercial delivery from concept through launch. Experienced leading multidisciplinary teams, establishing innovation capability, managing complex portfolios and delivering products through formulation, packaging, validation, manufacturing readiness and commercialisation in regulated environments.
Strong track record across multinational and SME organisations driving growth, operational excellence and innovation governance.
Experience
Head of Research & Development - SCOPE EYECARE LTD.
(2023-07)
- Lead innovation, formulation and product development across eye care, nutritional supplements, cosmetics and OTC healthcare.
- Manage multidisciplinary teams and end-to-end project delivery from concept to commercial launch.
- Established R&D laboratory capability and implemented Stage-Gate governance.
- Lead packaging selection, compatibility testing, supplier partnerships and technical validation.
- Drive scale-up, manufacturing readiness and cross-functional execution.
Senior Manager – Skincare, Fragrances, Hair & Personal Care Technologies - ORIFLAME R&D LTD.
(2019-01 - 2023-12)
- Led global formulation and packaging innovation portfolios.
- Managed high-volume NPD delivery (>120 projects annually).
- Managed budgets, resources, technical teams and commercial launches.
- Delivered innovation strategy and operational excellence.
Manager – Fragrances, Personal Care, Hair Care & Colour Technologies - ORIFLAME R&D LTD.
(2011-01 - 2019-12)
- Led laboratories across formulation, packaging, microbiology and technical development.
- Managed governance, project prioritisation and technology platforms.
- Developed external partnerships and manufacturing-ready solutions.
Principal Formulation Chemist - ORIFLAME R&D LTD.
(2010-01 - 2011-12)
- Led formulation teams, innovation concepts and scale-up readiness.
Development Formulation Chemist - UNILEVER R&D, UK - UK
(2006-01 - 2010-12)
- Developed formulations for global brands including Dove, TIGI and Sunsilk.
- Managed pilot scale-up, testing and commercial launch readiness.
Materials Research Chemist - UNILEVER R&D, UK - UK
(2003-01 - 2006-12)
- Developed novel materials, testing methods and supplier collaborations.
Research & Development Chemist - THE ASSOCIATED OCTEL CO LTD, UK - UK
(2002-01 - 2003-12)
- Developed bespoke technical solutions and customer-focused innovation.
Education
MSc - Innovation Through Design Thinking - University College Cork
Postgraduate Diploma - Innovation Through Design Thinking - University College Cork
BSc (Honours) - Psychology - The Open University
BSc - Science - National University of Ireland, Maynooth
