Nicola Kilner: The Visionary Co-Founder and CEO Transforming the Beauty Industry
Nicola Kilner is a name synonymous with innovation, resilience, and leadership in the beauty industry. As the co-founder and CEO of DECIEM Inc., the parent company behind cult skincare brands such as The Ordinary, Kilner has reshaped how consumers perceive and access skincare. This article delves into her remarkable journey, highlighting her early career, rise to prominence, leadership philosophy, and personal life—including details about her husband and age.
Early Career and Education
Nicola Kilner’s story begins in the United Kingdom, where she was born in 1985. She pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management from Nottingham Trent University, graduating in 2010. Her educational background laid a solid foundation in business principles, which would later be instrumental in her entrepreneurial ventures.
Kilner’s professional journey started at Boots UK, a prominent health and beauty retailer. She initially worked in-store as a Team Manager before quickly moving into roles with greater responsibility. Her positions included Project Assistant for No7, Junior Project Manager for Boots Brands and Exclusives, Assistant Development Manager for a Waitrose project, and Assistant Buying Manager for Fashion Brand Cosmetics. These roles provided her with an in-depth understanding of the beauty retail landscape, consumer preferences, and product development.
By August 2011, Kilner had become the Buying Manager for Innovation at Alliance Boots (which later became part of Walgreens Boots Alliance), where she focused on discovering and bringing new, independent beauty brands to the UK market. This role not only showcased her keen eye for emerging trends but also demonstrated her commitment to innovation and quality in beauty products.
Founding DECIEM: A New Beauty Paradigm
In 2013, Nicola Kilner co-founded DECIEM Inc. alongside Brandon Truaxe. The company was envisioned as an innovative umbrella for multiple beauty brands, a concept that was relatively new at the time. DECIEM, meaning “ten” in Latin, was initially planned to host ten different brands, each targeting unique skincare needs and preferences.
Under Kilner’s stewardship as CEO and co-founder, DECIEM rapidly gained global recognition, particularly through its flagship brand, The Ordinary. This brand disrupted the traditional skincare industry by offering high-quality, science-driven products at affordable prices. The Ordinary’s commitment to transparency—clearly labelling ingredients and avoiding unnecessary markup—resonated with consumers who were becoming more knowledgeable and discerning.
Kilner’s leadership fostered an environment of innovation, transparency, and customer-centricity. DECIEM grew beyond The Ordinary to include other brands like NIOD, Fountain, Grow Gorgeous, Hand Chemistry, and Inhibitif, solidifying its reputation as a boutique yet dynamic beauty powerhouse.
Leadership Amid Challenges
The path to success was not without challenges. Brandon Truaxe, Kilner’s co-founder and co-CEO, experienced public episodes of erratic behaviour that threatened DECIEM’s stability. In 2018, amid growing concern for the company’s future, Truaxe was removed from his position. Kilner stepped up to guide the company through this turbulent phase, demonstrating remarkable resilience and strategic acumen.
Truaxe’s untimely death in 2019 added an emotional layer to this already difficult period. Kilner honoured his vision by continuing to innovate and expand DECIEM’s product offerings and global footprint. Her calm and empathetic leadership style helped steady the company, inspiring confidence among employees, investors, and customers alike.
Growth, Innovation, and Vision for the Future
Kilner’s approach to leadership is rooted in authenticity, collaboration, and a deep understanding of consumer needs. Under her guidance, DECIEM embraced omnichannel retailing, balancing physical stores with a robust e-commerce presence. The company introduced digital tools such as personalised skin consultation and regimen builders, blending technology with human expertise.
She also implemented an egalitarian salary policy within the executive team, ensuring equal compensation across the C-suite. This unconventional move underscored her commitment to fairness and team cohesion, setting DECIEM apart as a forward-thinking organisation.
Her vision for DECIEM extends beyond business metrics. Kilner is passionate about creating a company culture that values diversity, creativity, and social responsibility. The brand’s messaging reflects honesty and inclusivity, which has cultivated a loyal global customer base.
Nicola Kilner’s Personal Life
Behind the scenes, Nicola Kilner maintains a fulfilling personal life. She is married to Sean Reddington, CEO of Thrive Learning, and together they have two children. Balancing the demands of leading a rapidly growing company with family life, Kilner emphasises the importance of resilience and support networks.
Her upbringing profoundly shaped her character and leadership style. Kilner has been open about her father’s struggle with alcohol addiction, which affected her childhood. She credits these experiences with teaching her empathy, perseverance, and the ability to remain composed under pressure. These traits have proven invaluable as she navigated both personal and professional challenges.
The Impact of Nicola Kilner on the Beauty Industry
Nicola Kilner’s impact on the beauty industry cannot be overstated. By co-founding DECIEM and championing The Ordinary, she revolutionised the way skincare products are marketed and consumed. Her insistence on transparency, affordability, and science-backed formulations has raised industry standards and empowered consumers to make informed choices.
She has inspired a new generation of entrepreneurs and leaders, especially women in business, by demonstrating that success is achievable through integrity, innovation, and resilience. Her story exemplifies how combining business acumen with empathy can create brands that not only thrive commercially but also resonate on a personal level with consumers.
Conclusion
Nicola Kilner’s journey from a young business management graduate to the CEO and co-founder of one of the most disruptive beauty companies in the world is a testament to her vision, determination, and leadership. Her ability to innovate, adapt to challenges, and maintain authenticity has cemented her legacy in the global beauty landscape.
As she continues to evolve DECIEM and inspire through her leadership, Nicola Kilner remains a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders. Her story illustrates the power of combining passion with purpose, and how genuine leadership can transform industries and lives.
