Will Westwick: The Visionary Digital Leader Transforming Global Enterprises
In today’s fast-evolving technological landscape, digital transformation is no longer a luxury but a necessity for companies striving to remain competitive. At the forefront of this shift stands Will Westwick, a seasoned Chief Digital and Technology Officer with an impressive track record of driving innovation and enterprise growth. With over 25 years of experience in leading complex digital strategies across various industries, Westwick embodies the quintessential modern executive capable of harmonising technology with business objectives.
Moreover, Westwick’s familial connection to the entertainment world adds an intriguing dimension to his profile. He is the elder brother of renowned British actor Ed Westwick, famously known for his role as Chuck Bass in Gossip Girl. While Ed captivated audiences on screen, Will has been quietly revolutionising the corporate world through his visionary leadership in digital technology.
This article delves into the professional journey of Will Westwick, highlighting his contributions at companies such as GSK, Haleon, Barclays, and more, while also touching on his relationship with Ed Westwick.
Early Career and Foundation
Will Westwick’s career trajectory reflects a solid foundation in software engineering and technology infrastructure. Beginning in the late 1990s, Westwick held technical roles at Hogan Lovells, a global law firm, where he honed his skills as a Senior Systems Engineer. His early experience at Hogan Lovells laid the groundwork for understanding enterprise-level IT demands and systems integration.
Subsequently, he joined Microsoft in Redmond, Washington, where over a five-year tenure, he worked in various engineering capacities across multiple business units. This period was instrumental in expanding his technical expertise, especially in software development and digital platforms — skills that would underpin his later leadership roles.
Ascending the Ranks: BT Group and Sky
In 2008, Westwick moved to BT Group, taking on the role of Head of Technology Infrastructure. During his tenure, he oversaw critical aspects of the company’s IT infrastructure, ensuring reliable and scalable technology solutions for one of the UK’s largest telecommunications providers. This role sharpened his ability to manage large-scale technology environments and operational stability.
From BT Group, Westwick transitioned to Sky, where he served as Head of Engineering from 2010 to 2017. At Sky, a major player in broadcasting and telecommunications, he played a key role in driving engineering innovation and supporting the company’s digital services. His leadership contributed to Sky’s transformation into a more agile and technology-driven organisation, integrating emerging technologies to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.
Leadership at Tesco and Barclays: Driving Digital Innovation
Will Westwick’s executive journey took a decisive leap with his appointment as Group Technology Director at Tesco from 2017 to 2019. At Tesco, the UK’s leading supermarket chain, he spearheaded technology initiatives aimed at improving supply chain efficiency, digital retail experiences, and enterprise-wide digital capabilities. His focus on innovation helped Tesco stay competitive amidst rising e-commerce challenges and shifting consumer expectations.
Following Tesco, Westwick joined Barclays as Managing Director and Chief Technology Officer from 2019 to 2021. Barclays, a major global financial institution, faced significant digital disruption and competition from fintech startups. Westwick’s leadership was pivotal in modernising Barclays’ technology architecture, driving cloud adoption, and embedding innovation into banking operations. His efforts enhanced Barclays’ ability to offer digital-first financial services while maintaining robust security and compliance standards.
Strategic Roles at GSK, Haleon, and Dechra Pharmaceuticals
Westwick’s expertise in digital transformation culminated in senior technology leadership roles at GSK, Haleon, and Dechra Pharmaceuticals.
At GSK from 2021 to 2022, Westwick was Chief Technology Officer responsible for managing technology plans associated with GSK’s divestment of its Consumer Healthcare business. This divestment resulted in the creation of Haleon, a new company listed on the FTSE 100.
Continuing with Haleon, Westwick served as Chief Technology Officer and later as Chief Digital and Technology Officer until March 2025. His tenure involved overseeing the establishment of Haleon’s standalone technology capabilities, driving digital innovation, and supporting business growth through technology-enabled strategies.
In May 2025, Westwick took on the role of Chief Digital & Information Officer at Dechra Pharmaceuticals, a global veterinary pharmaceutical company based in London. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to accelerate Dechra’s digital transformation agenda, leveraging his experience to modernise operations, enhance customer engagement, and foster innovation within the veterinary healthcare sector.
Innovations and Impact
Across his career, Will Westwick has consistently championed digitally enabled business growth and transformation. His leadership style emphasises cultural change, modernising operating practices, and building diverse, international teams that drive forward-thinking solutions.
Some key highlights of his impact include:
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Leading the digital strategy that underpinned GSK’s largest divestment in 30 years.
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Spearheading technology modernisation at Barclays, improving agility and customer experience.
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Developing scalable digital platforms at Tesco to support omnichannel retailing.
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Driving cloud adoption, data analytics, and AI integration to enhance business insights and operational efficiencies.
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Steering Dechra Pharmaceuticals’ digital initiatives to position the company as a leader in veterinary technology.
Westwick’s approach balances technological innovation with commercial pragmatism, ensuring that digital investments translate into measurable business value.
Relationship with Ed Westwick
Will Westwick’s profile is often juxtaposed with that of his younger brother, Ed Westwick, whose fame derives from the entertainment industry. While Ed rose to prominence as a charismatic actor on popular TV shows and films, Will pursued a quieter but equally impressive path in the corporate technology world.
Born to Carole (an educational psychologist) and Peter Westwick (a university lecturer), the Westwick family nurtured both brothers’ talents in distinct arenas. The brothers have occasionally acknowledged their mutual support, although Will maintains a low public profile compared to Ed’s celebrity status.
This dynamic illustrates how diverse career paths within a family can both achieve remarkable success, albeit in very different spheres.
Conclusion
Will Westwick exemplifies the modern digital executive: technologically adept, commercially focused, and strategically visionary. His extensive experience leading digital transformations at major global organisations underscores his ability to guide enterprises through the challenges of the digital age.
As he continues to lead Dechra Pharmaceuticals into a new era of innovation, Westwick’s career offers valuable lessons in adaptability, leadership, and the integration of technology with business goals. Meanwhile, his familial link to Ed Westwick adds a humanising note to the story of a man who, away from the limelight, is making a profound impact on industries that shape our daily lives.
