In the dynamic world of modern business, few figures have had such a profound impact on digital transformation and strategic technology development as Will Westwick. With a career spanning over two decades and encompassing leadership roles at some of the world’s most recognized brands, Westwick has earned his place as a respected thought leader and strategic innovator in enterprise technology. His recent appointment as Chief Digital & Information Officer (CDIO) at Dechra Pharmaceuticals marks a pivotal moment, not just in his career, but in the future of digital transformation within the veterinary pharmaceutical industry.
This article delves into the career, philosophy, achievements, and personal aspects of Will Westwick, offering an in-depth view of the man behind the global tech leadership journey.
The Rise of a Digital Strategist: Early Career Foundations
Before emerging as one of the most influential digital executives in the UK and global circles, Will Westwick built his foundational experience at renowned technology and business institutions. Starting from grassroots IT operations, Westwick showed early promise with his deep understanding of systems integration, digital user experiences, and scalable platforms.
His ability to bridge the gap between technical innovation and business needs made him a standout leader from the beginning. Over the years, he steadily ascended the leadership ladder, taking on increasingly strategic roles where he would lead cross-functional teams, global rollouts, and digital-first initiatives.
Career Highlights: From Microsoft to Dechra Pharmaceuticals
1. Microsoft and Barclays – Building Enterprise Tech Foundations
Westwick’s experience includes serving at global giants such as Microsoft and Barclays, where he contributed to digital ecosystems used by millions. At Microsoft, he gained firsthand exposure to large-scale digital architecture and cloud platforms, laying the groundwork for his understanding of data, software development, and user-centric design.
At Barclays, he worked on digital banking infrastructure—an environment that required top-tier security, innovation, and reliability. Here, he played a key role in shaping agile methodologies and introducing new automation systems to enhance operational efficiency.
2. Tesco and Sky – Innovation at Consumer Scale
Transitioning into consumer-oriented industries, Will Westwick brought his technical acumen to Tesco, one of the UK’s largest retailers. His focus at Tesco revolved around supply chain innovation, data-driven retail systems, and customer engagement technologies.
At Sky, he led initiatives to modernize user interfaces and introduced cloud-native technologies that empowered content delivery systems. Westwick’s ability to work across IT, product, and executive functions positioned him as a rare breed of tech leader who could deliver tangible business impact through digital innovation.
3. Haleon (formerly part of GSK) – The Leap into Healthcare Tech
Before his most recent appointment, Westwick served at Haleon, the consumer health spin-off of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). Here, he oversaw global digital operations across a portfolio that included consumer healthcare brands. He was instrumental in scaling digital platforms, integrating AI tools for business intelligence, and aligning data governance with international compliance standards.
At Haleon, Will’s leadership in digital innovation went beyond internal transformation. He played a pivotal role in transforming customer-facing platforms and digital marketing strategies, helping the company reach new levels of consumer engagement across global markets.
The Current Chapter: CDIO at Dechra Pharmaceuticals
In May 2025, Will Westwick was appointed Chief Digital & Information Officer (CDIO) at Dechra Pharmaceuticals, a global leader in veterinary medicine. This marked a significant milestone in both his career and the digital trajectory of the company.
Dechra, a veterinary-focused pharmaceutical business, operates in over 25 countries and has long been respected for its product development and veterinary services. With Westwick’s arrival, the company is set to embrace digital modernization at every level.
Vision at Dechra
As CDIO, Westwick is tasked with designing and executing a company-wide digital transformation strategy. His role covers:
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Modernizing global IT systems
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Creating digital platforms for veterinary and customer engagement
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Driving data science and artificial intelligence initiatives
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Enhancing cybersecurity and compliance frameworks
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Leading innovation in product lifecycle and supply chain operations
In his own words, Westwick sees digital as a “value multiplier” in healthcare—a driver not only of efficiency but also of improved clinical outcomes, transparency, and trust.
Strategic Philosophy: Bridging Tech and People
What makes Will Westwick stand out is not just his technical knowledge, but his leadership approach. He emphasizes the human side of digital transformation—recognizing that success depends not just on systems, but on people.
He is a firm believer in cross-functional collaboration, empowering diverse teams, and investing in future-ready skill development. He frequently speaks on the importance of digital literacy at all levels of an organization and has advocated for greater alignment between CIO/CTO roles and board-level strategy.
His leadership style is characterized by transparency, agility, and a deep commitment to measurable outcomes. Whether implementing enterprise resource planning systems or developing consumer-facing mobile apps, Westwick ensures that all projects align with broader business objectives.
Personal Life and Media Presence
While Will Westwick maintains a relatively low profile in mainstream media, he is known in executive and digital leadership circles as a sharp, thoughtful, and forward-looking professional. He is most active on LinkedIn, where he shares insights on digital transformation, leadership, and innovation.
Interestingly, Will is also the brother of British actor Ed Westwick, best known for his role as Chuck Bass in the hit series Gossip Girl. While Ed dominates the spotlight in entertainment, Will has carved a quiet but powerful presence in the world of technology and business strategy. Their contrasting careers reflect two different worlds—Hollywood and high-tech—but both brothers are successful in their respective fields.
Name Confusion: A Common Digital Challenge
It’s worth noting that another professional named Will Westwick—based in Canada and working in aviation safety at Air Canada—often appears in online searches. However, the two are not related and operate in completely different professional spheres. The digital footprint challenge of shared names underscores the importance of well-maintained professional profiles and clear branding in today’s interconnected digital world.
The Future Ahead: AI, Platforms, and Digital Health
Looking forward, Will Westwick’s influence is expected to grow even further. As technologies like AI, machine learning, IoT, and blockchain increasingly reshape the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, leaders like Westwick are essential in guiding companies through rapid evolution.
At Dechra, his challenge will not only be to digitize operations but to integrate data and AI-driven solutions that enhance the value chain—from R&D to patient outcomes.
Beyond corporate achievements, Westwick is also expected to contribute to public discourse around ethics in digital transformation, data privacy, and the future of digital leadership in life sciences.
Final Thoughts
Will Westwick represents a new generation of digital leaders—those who can integrate vision with execution, who understand both code and culture, and who see technology not as a tool, but as a transformative force. His appointment at Dechra Pharmaceuticals is more than a job change; it’s a signal that digital innovation will soon become central to veterinary and pharmaceutical industries worldwide.
As he continues to guide organizations through complex technological landscapes, The Globe Gist will be following his journey and insights closely—highlighting how executive vision and digital strategy can together shape the future.
