Richard Keightley

Quality & Regulatory Director

Acheson & Acheson

Richard completed his degree in Biological Science in 1994 (at the time specialising in Fish Biology and Agricultural Physiology) and straight out of university took his first role in the industry as a Technical Sales Representative.  His early industry experience saw him travelling the length and breadth of the British Isles for 5 years, selling raw materials for cosmetics and personal care products to UK industry.  Through this, he developed a passion for product formulation and development which drove him to seek a role in R&D.  Within a year of joining the development team at a contract manufacturer in Devon he became Acheson & Acheson’s first Development Chemist.  In 2005 Richard moved to a well-known contract manufacturer in Wiltshire as Senior Chemist.  He progressed to Specialist Development Manager, working on sun protection formulations for a number of high street retailers and building on experience in formulation and technology transfer, scale up and introducing him to the world of OTC and therapeutic goods.  In 2009 he returned to Acheson & Acheson as a Technical Manager and the company embarked on the development of a state of the art production facility in Somerset.  As the company grew, his role evolved into Head of Technical Operations, overseeing Quality, Process Development and Regulations; working in all areas of the business from NPD through to scale up and manufacturing. 

Currently, as Head of Regulatory Compliance, his role encompasses all areas of compliance including; Global Cosmetic Regs and OTC requirements, claims substantiation, advertising media, product safety, REACh and other chemical legislation.  It also incorporates supplier approval and monitoring ensuring that suppliers working with A&A meet their strict ethical and quality requirements.  Providing advice to customers and suppliers, Richard and his team at work closely with in-house experts in Marketing, R&D, Production and Supply.  His broad experience gives him an excellent insight into requirements and aspirations within the cosmetics industry value chain, enabling him to influence sustainable practices throughout the lifecycle of products.  A&A design, develop, manufacture and fill premium skincare, cosmetics and toiletries products for high street retailers and global brands.

Richard contributes to the CTPA regularly as a member of Microplastics Working Group, REACh WG, Cosmetovigilance WG, Sun Products WG and Chairs the Environmental Sustainability Working Group.  He also represents Acheson & Acheson on the PCPC International Committee and is a member of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists.