Meet the LifeScience ORG CEO
Camilla Easter - Oxford Medical Products
What called you to lead?
From the vet clinic to biotech, my journey began with a passion for problem-solving.
For me, the call to lead wasn’t about seeking a title—it was about building something meaningful and solving complex problems. Looking back, it started with my decision to pursue veterinary medicine.
I’ve always been someone with a plan, and as a teenager, veterinary medicine seemed logical: a stable, intellectually challenging career where I could combine applied sciences with problem-solving. But it wasn’t necessarily driven by an overwhelming deep love for animals—more that I was fascinated by the opportunity to diagnose and tackle problems systematically and with a love and appreciation of animals I felt it was something I would be good at and could make a difference in.
My education at Nottingham’s veterinary school was transformative. It wasn’t just about clinical training; it prepared us to lead. From day one, we were taught not just the technical aspects of the job but also how to communicate, how to manage crises, and how to step into leadership roles—even when you’re young and inexperienced.
It was practical, immersive, and eye-opening. That foundation helped me navigate my first job in equine practice, where I was thrust into high-pressure situations, making critical decisions often far earlier in my career than most people experience.
However, as much as I valued the profession, I realised something was missing. I wanted to have a bigger impact than I felt I could achieve, treating animals one by one. I craved the opportunity to solve broader problems, to explore solutions that could benefit thousands—or even millions.
That drive led me to a pivotal moment when I collaborated with plastic surgeons on a challenging case. Their approach to research and innovation was revolutionary to me. They weren’t just solving immediate problems, they were creating new technologies and spinning out companies to redefine solutions on a larger scale. That completely shifted my perspective.
When they invited me to join their spinout company, I didn’t hesitate. It was a leap of faith, but one that felt right. I learned everything—fundraising, pre-clinical and clinical study design and execution, regulatory hurdles, quality management systems and team building—all from the ground up. It was exhilarating, and it gave me a new sense of purpose that I hadn’t felt before.
I loved my five years there and ended up as Chief Operating Officer. Coming back from my second maternity leave, this opportunity at OMP presented itself. I saw the opportunity to build something from scratch and create a lasting impact as a leader.
Camilla’s full profile is available for our members inside the community.