Stella Peace: Transforming Innovation Leadership Through Science and Technology
Who Is Stella Peace?
Stella Peace is an accomplished British innovation leader, renowned for her transformative contributions to research and development (R&D) in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry. With over two decades of global experience, she has combined her scientific expertise with visionary leadership to redefine innovation in food, agriculture, and health technology sectors. Currently serving as the Executive Director for Healthy Living and Agriculture at Innovate UK, and as Interim Executive Chair (2024–2025), Stella Peace represents the intersection of science, business strategy, and public innovation policy in the United Kingdom.
Her professional journey reflects an unwavering passion for leveraging science and technology to deliver real-world impact — bringing new products, experiences, and sustainable solutions to consumers globally.
Early Education and Academic Excellence
Durham University: Building the Foundation
The journey of Stella Peace into the world of innovation and science began at Durham University, one of the UK’s leading academic institutions. She earned a First-Class Honours degree in Chemistry, followed by a PhD in Polymer Science. Her academic background not only provided her with deep scientific understanding but also shaped her analytical and problem-solving approach, which later became central to her leadership style.
Her doctoral research in polymer science offered her a detailed understanding of materials and molecular interactions — an area that became the cornerstone for her later work in product development, formulation, and applied innovation across global markets.
Career Journey: From Unilever to Innovate UK
Unilever: A Global R&D Legacy
Stella Peace began her professional career at Unilever, where she spent nearly two decades driving innovation across the company’s Refreshment Category — particularly Tea and Ice Cream. During her tenure, she held a series of senior R&D leadership roles, including:
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VP Refreshment Discover & Colworth Site Leader (2012–2017)
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VP R&D Foods and Refreshment Science & Technology (2018)
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R&D Operations Director (2008–2010)
Her roles involved leading international, cross-functional teams across the UK, the Netherlands, India, France, and Japan. Stella’s leadership focused on developing breakthrough technologies and consumer-centric innovations. She was responsible for global research programmes, R&D strategy, and the integration of science into sustainable product innovation.
Her time at Unilever reflected her exceptional ability to align science with business strategy, ensuring that new discoveries translated into meaningful products for consumers worldwide.
Nomad Foods: Elevating Quality and Innovation
After her remarkable journey at Unilever, Stella Peace joined Nomad Foods in 2018 as Group R&D Director, later advancing to Chief R&D and Quality Officer. At Nomad Foods — home to iconic brands such as Birds Eye, Findus, and Iglo — she played a pivotal role in elevating food innovation, ensuring quality, and leading sustainable product development.
During this period, she established and strengthened Nomad Foods’ scientific and operational excellence in research and development. Her leadership focused on aligning innovation with consumer well-being, product integrity, and environmental responsibility.
Her impact at Nomad Foods positioned her as a respected voice in the global food industry, known for creating collaborative, high-performing teams that bridge science, quality, and market demands.
Innovate UK: Leading National Innovation
In September 2023, Stella Peace took on a new challenge by joining Innovate UK, the country’s innovation agency under UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). She became the Executive Director for Healthy Living and Agriculture, a role focused on supporting innovation across sectors including health, food systems, and sustainable agriculture.
In October 2024, she was appointed Interim Executive Chair at Innovate UK, leading the agency through a period of strategic transformation. Her role involves steering the organisation’s innovation mission, supporting UK businesses in developing new technologies, and promoting cross-sectoral collaboration between academia, industry, and government.
Through this leadership position, Stella Peace continues to advance the UK’s innovation ecosystem — ensuring that science and technology deliver practical benefits for society and economic growth.
Leadership Philosophy and Professional Vision
Championing Science and Technology for Societal Impact
At the core of Stella Peace’s leadership philosophy lies a deep belief in the power of science and technology to create better futures. She advocates for innovation that improves lives, fosters sustainability, and enhances global competitiveness.
Her management approach blends scientific rigour with empathy and inclusiveness. She is known for building multi-location, cross-functional teams that operate cohesively across cultural and geographical boundaries. Her leadership style emphasises collaboration, empowerment, and trust — principles that inspire creativity and excellence in innovation-driven environments.
Diversity, Global Experience, and Inclusive Leadership
Having worked across France, Japan, the UK, and other international markets, Stella Peace brings a unique global perspective to innovation management. She understands that diversity in thought, culture, and expertise is fundamental to solving complex global challenges.
Her leadership has consistently reflected a commitment to inclusive innovation — creating opportunities for diverse voices and perspectives to contribute to scientific and business progress. This inclusive approach enables her teams to tackle challenges with creativity and agility.
Key Contributions and Achievements
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Pioneering R&D Strategy at Unilever: Developed and implemented large-scale research programmes that connected science with consumer needs in global refreshment categories.
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Driving Quality and Sustainability at Nomad Foods: Led initiatives that enhanced food innovation, improved product quality, and supported environmental sustainability goals.
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Shaping the Future at Innovate UK: Directing national innovation agendas in health, food, and agriculture, fostering partnerships between businesses and research institutions.
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Mentoring Future Leaders: Beyond her executive responsibilities, she has been instrumental in nurturing emerging talent, particularly women in science and technology.
Academic and Industry Influence
With a strong academic foundation in chemistry and polymer science, Stella Peace represents the ideal blend of scientific insight and business acumen. Her contributions extend beyond her corporate roles; she actively engages in discussions on how R&D can accelerate sustainable economic growth, reduce environmental footprints, and enhance consumer well-being.
Her expertise has made her a respected thought leader in both academic and industrial circles, often cited for her clarity in translating scientific potential into practical business impact.
Personal Philosophy and Outlook
For Stella Peace, innovation is not just about technology — it’s about purpose. She believes that meaningful innovation must contribute positively to society. Her career reflects this belief, as she continuously bridges the gap between discovery and application, ensuring that every project, product, and partnership delivers genuine value.
Her international exposure and deep understanding of both scientific and consumer ecosystems allow her to view challenges holistically, making her one of the UK’s most respected voices in innovation leadership today.
Conclusion: A Visionary Leader for a Sustainable Future
In an era defined by rapid technological change and global challenges, Stella Peace stands as a beacon of purposeful leadership. From her foundational years at Durham University to her executive positions at Unilever, Nomad Foods, and now Innovate UK, she has consistently demonstrated how science, innovation, and human insight can drive progress.
Her journey embodies the transformative power of knowledge applied with compassion and strategic foresight. As she continues to lead national and international innovation initiatives, Stella Peace remains a role model for aspiring scientists, leaders, and innovators committed to shaping a more sustainable and equitable future.
