Business

Will Westwick: Digital Leader at Dechra & Brother of Ed Westwick

Who Is Will Westwick?

Will Westwick is a distinguished British digital transformation leader who has carved a notable path across various global organizations in technology, retail, finance, and pharmaceuticals. Best known for his roles in major companies like Haleon, Barclays, Tesco, and now Dechra Pharmaceuticals, Westwick exemplifies strategic foresight and technical excellence in enterprise technology leadership. Though largely a private individual, his recent role as Chief Digital & Information Officer (CDIO) at Dechra and public LinkedIn endorsements have brought him into broader public awareness.

Notably, Will Westwick is also known to be the elder brother of British actor Ed Westwick, famed for portraying Chuck Bass in Gossip Girl. While Ed pursued fame in front of the camera, Will navigated the corporate world, developing and leading transformative tech strategies behind the scenes.

Summary Table: Will Westwick Profile

Attribute Details
Full Name Will (William) Westwick
Profession Chief Digital & Information Officer
Current Company Dechra Pharmaceuticals
Previous Key Roles Haleon, Barclays, Tesco, Sky
Specializations Digital transformation, enterprise architecture, CIO strategy
Estimated Age Mid-to-late 40s
Known Relation Brother of actor Ed Westwick
Public Visibility Low personal presence, high professional recognition
LinkedIn Activity Highly endorsed by peers for leadership and transformation projects

Early Career and Foundations in Technology

Will Westwick began his career in technology over two decades ago, developing his skills in information systems, enterprise architecture, and strategic IT development. While exact early-career roles are not publicly disclosed in detail, his trajectory suggests a steady climb through IT consultancy, program management, and enterprise solution development.

These foundational years would lead him to take on substantial leadership responsibilities at some of the UK’s and Europe’s top companies. Westwick’s strength lies in leveraging technology to drive business outcomes, aligning digital systems with core business goals, and executing large-scale transformational strategies with measurable results.

Career Milestones

1. Sky (2010–2017)

At Sky, Westwick spent a significant part of his early leadership career. In an era when Sky was aggressively expanding its digital footprint, Westwick’s leadership was instrumental in navigating complex tech operations across media and broadband infrastructure.

2. Tesco (2017–2019)

From 2017 to 2019, Westwick served as Group Technology Director at Tesco, one of the largest retail chains in the UK. His tenure focused on modernizing Tesco’s IT backbone, improving retail systems, and pushing forward automation and digitization in the supply chain. He helped transform customer experience and internal technology frameworks that supported millions of transactions daily.

3. Barclays (2019–2021)

Will Westwick became Managing Director and Chief Technology Officer at Barclays, a major global financial institution. During his time at Barclays, he managed critical digital initiatives within the banking sector, balancing innovation with the stringent regulatory and security demands of financial services.

Will Westwick at Haleon (GSK Spin-off)

Following his successful tenure at Barclays, Will joined Haleon, the consumer healthcare division formerly part of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). Haleon was formed as a spin-off entity to operate independently, focusing on over-the-counter health brands.

As a key technology executive, Westwick’s role during this pivotal moment was to:

  • Oversee the digital and technology separation from GSK.

  • Implement digital frameworks suitable for an agile and consumer-centric organization.

  • Lead the Enterprise Systems & Modernization Office (ESMO) to drive system integration, modernization, and vendor consolidation.

Will was lauded by many former colleagues for his clear vision, strategic thinking, and strong leadership during this significant corporate transformation. Numerous professionals on LinkedIn referenced his guidance during the separation, highlighting his ability to manage complexity under high-stakes conditions.

One notable post stated:

“Will Westwick… set up and made the tech TSAs between GSK and Haleon possible. That achievement deserves applause.”

Will Westwick Joins Dechra Pharmaceuticals

On 28 April 2025, Will Westwick was appointed Chief Digital & Information Officer (CDIO) at Dechra Pharmaceuticals, a global veterinary pharmaceuticals company. This role marks another milestone in his executive journey—steering digital strategy in the life sciences sector.

In this capacity, Westwick is tasked with:

  • Spearheading digital transformation at a global level.

  • Enhancing customer and partner experiences using tech solutions.

  • Improving operational efficiencies and leveraging data for better insights.

  • Building scalable and secure IT infrastructure across international markets.

His move to Dechra also signifies a growing trend: the intersection of health, digital innovation, and business modernization. With Will at the helm, Dechra is expected to push forward with tech-forward capabilities that enhance its standing in a competitive pharmaceutical industry.

Leadership Philosophy and Public Perception

Will Westwick is praised by peers for his collaborative style, strategic vision, and execution discipline. His leadership is often associated with:

  • Building strong, agile teams.

  • Driving performance through systems thinking.

  • Adapting global strategies to fit local and organizational contexts.

Despite holding public executive roles, Westwick maintains a low-key public profile, with limited interviews or personal disclosures. Most insights into his leadership come from endorsements and reflections of his former team members, especially at Haleon.

Will Westwick Age and Personal Life

Will Westwick’s exact age is not publicly disclosed, but based on his 25+ year professional timeline and leadership positions, he is estimated to be in his mid-to-late 40s.

In terms of family, Will is widely known as the older brother of actor Ed Westwick, a fact that brings some celebrity interest to his otherwise business-focused persona. Despite their divergent paths—one in entertainment and one in enterprise IT—the brothers reportedly maintain a close bond.

Will Westwick on LinkedIn

Will’s LinkedIn profile underlines his extensive leadership roles across sectors and reflects his expertise in:

  • Digital transformation

  • CIO leadership

  • Enterprise architecture

  • Strategy and governance

  • Cross-industry system development

He is frequently tagged in posts by colleagues recognizing his contributions and leadership during pivotal moments in corporate evolution, particularly at Haleon.

Will Westwick and the Future of Digital Leadership

As digital transformation continues to disrupt industries, leaders like Will Westwick become increasingly pivotal. His blend of technical expertise and corporate strategic insight makes him a strong asset in navigating post-COVID digital acceleration, cybersecurity concerns, and enterprise modernization challenges.

At Dechra, he is expected to lead efforts that will redefine how the organization leverages data, systems, and digital capabilities to serve its clients and expand its market.

Final Thoughts

Will Westwick represents the modern enterprise executive—tech-savvy, agile, and strategically grounded. From spearheading digital shifts at global retailers to leading a pharma-tech vision at Dechra, Westwick continues to leave an indelible mark on the digital future of multinational companies. With his current leadership at Dechra, the industry watches closely as he brings technological modernization to veterinary health solutions—quietly, efficiently, and effectively.

This comprehensive profile is brought to you by Mating Press, your source for stories about the influential figures shaping our world behind the scenes.

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