S7 E8: Building beauty brands with Harry Zalk CEO of Arkive Headcare

In today’s episode, we’re delighted to be joined by Harry Zalk, CEO of ARKIVE Headcare at Matrix Brands an innovative, B Corp–certified brand incubator creating and scaling some of the most exciting names in health and beauty.

Matrix is behind an award-winning portfolio spanning skincare, haircare, bodycare and fragrance, including Cowshed, ARKIVE Headcare and Soho Skin. Beyond their own brands, they also develop private label products and brand-led experiences for major retail, travel and hospitality partners such as Space NK, Boots, Cathay Pacific, Emirates and British Airways - taking products from concept and NPD through to manufacturing, distribution and marketing.

Harry’s career journey is a fascinating one. He shares how he transitioned from the world of apparel into beauty, what drew him to the category, and how those early experiences shaped his approach to brand building, sourcing and partnerships. We explore how Matrix’s business model has evolved over time, why adaptability is critical when scaling consumer brands, and how innovation sits at the heart of everything they do.

We also dive deep into the realities of operating in beauty -  from navigating complex supply chains and regulatory requirements to the ongoing challenge of making genuinely sustainable choices, particularly around packaging. Harry offers a refreshingly honest perspective on what becoming a B Corp really means in practice, why sustainability is rarely straightforward, and how education and transparency play a vital role with both suppliers and customers.

Relationships are a recurring theme throughout the conversation. Harry shares why long-term success depends on strong, collaborative partnerships and how open communication helps businesses navigate challenges while continuing to innovate. We also touch on emerging trends in beauty, including the rise of science-backed formulations and the enduring power of fragrance as a tool for connection and brand storytelling.

This episode is packed with practical insight for anyone working in buying, sourcing, product development, or brand-building - especially those navigating the balance between innovation, sustainability and commercial growth.

Three Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Innovation and Adaptability Drive Success
Matrix Brands thrives by building bespoke supply chains, embracing innovation, and adding value through thoughtful product development. Their ability to adapt quickly to changing market demands and regulatory environments has been central to their growth.

2️⃣ Sustainability Is a Journey, Not a Destination
Becoming a B Corp is an important milestone, but true sustainability requires constant effort, transparency and education. Harry highlights the need to be honest about trade-offs and to bring suppliers and customers along on the journey.

3️⃣ Relationships and Collaboration Are Essential
Long-term success in beauty is built on strong, transparent relationships. Open communication, shared values and mutual education with suppliers and customers help businesses overcome challenges and unlock innovation.