Her portfolio reflects a career at the intersection of life sciences, industrials and advanced technologies, and she is widely recognised as a role model for women in business and science.

After earning an MA in Natural Sciences and a PhD from Cambridge University, Louise spent the first 15 years of her career in the industrial sector, holding a variety of commercial and planning roles at ICI and English China Clays. She then joined Baxter Healthcare Inc., where she became President of the company’s largest European division, broadening her operational and P&L responsibilities across multiple geographies. In 2004 she was appointed CEO of BTG plc, leading its transformation into a specialist international healthcare company through a combination of portfolio reshaping, disciplined capital allocation and a strong focus on innovation and execution.

Alongside her executive career, Dame Louise has served as a Non-Executive Director on the boards of Premier Foods plc, Intertek Group plc, Woodford Patient Capital Trust, Atotech Ltd and Theramex Ltd, bringing board-level insight across consumer, testing and inspection, investment and pharmaceuticals. She was a Trustee of The Outward Bound Trust for 10 years and Chair of the 1851 Trust for five, reflecting a long-standing commitment to education and youth development. She is an Honorary Fellow of St John’s College, Cambridge.

Louise’s approach is anchored in a simple but searching question: “Are we asking ourselves the right question?” She applies this lens to strategy, organisation design and personal leadership, challenging executives and boards to examine assumptions and clarify what truly matters. Underpinning this is a deeply held belief that culture is a durable competitive advantage and the foundation on which innovative, lasting improvements are built.