About

Kate Reid is a global force in the hair industry an award-winning colourist, educator, and creative leader recognised for shaping the future of professional hair colour and education. A two-time winner and five-time finalist at the Australian Hair Fashion Awards for “Excellence in Education,” Kate is a driving influence in global education strategy, digital and live content creation, and sustainability in the salon industry. As Global Colour Design Director at KEVIN.MURPHY, she is a leading voice in fashion and beauty and a trusted industry commentator with a worldwide audience.

With nearly three decades of experience, Kate has collaborated with some of the most respected names in professional haircare and led teams at major shows around the world, curating creative direction and bringing visionary concepts to life.

Since 2014, while based in North America, Kate has travelled extensively across North America and Europe, leading the development and launch of COLOR.ME North America a milestone that elevated KEVIN.MURPHY into the colour category and remains one of the brand’s most successful expansions. During this time, she has captivated audiences of more than 2,500 professionals at global shows and education events, sharing her expertise and passion for colour innovation.

Now in her twelfth year with KEVIN.MURPHY, Kate continues to drive the brand’s transformation from a styling company into a global powerhouse in the professional colour market. She has led and shaped the go-to-market strategy, product development, and creative direction for all three of the brand’s colour lines COLOR.ME, CODE, and GLOSS defining their positioning, education, and global success.

Working alongside Kevin Murphy, Kate directs colour across all editorial shoots and more than a dozen international campaigns for KEVIN.MURPHY, COLOR.ME, CODE, and GLOSS. Her creative vision has taken her to locations including Prague, Italy, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, and throughout Australia, establishing her as one of the most influential colour directors in the industry.

Before joining KEVIN.MURPHY, Kate was the Creative Director for Wella and Sebastian Professional in Australia and New Zealand, where she led the Trend Vision program and mentored teams for international competitions in Milan, Paris, New York, Barcelona, and Madrid.

A respected editorial artist, Kate’s work has been featured in Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, InStyle, Refinery29, Estetica, Beauty Launchpad, Women’s Health, and Salon Magazine, among many others. Her impact has earned her prestigious recognition, including P&G Global Educator of the Year and selection to the Global Influence Future Team. In 2019, her editorial work achieved over 85 million views worldwide.

Kate began her career in Adelaide before quickly rising through the ranks from Colour Technician for Wella to Education Manager for Sebastian, and later Creative Director for P&G’s professional hair division in Australia and New Zealand. In 2014, she relocated to North America to lead the launch of COLOR.ME, and went on to spearhead the global launches of GLOSS and KEVIN.MURPHY+CODE.

Appointed Global Design Director of Colour in 2016, Kate continues to lead with innovation, creativity, and purpose. A natural educator and visionary, her work bridges artistry and strategy, keeping KEVIN.MURPHY at the cutting edge of global colour innovation and professional education.

Achievements