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Suveen Shaib and Tom Connell

Suveen Sahib is a longtime believer in the power of synthetic biology and biology-first principles to transform the future of beauty. As ceo and co-founder of K18, he’s leading a new era in haircare, one grounded in science, driven by purpose, and rooted in simplicity. 

Tom Smith is an internationally recognised hairstylist, trend forecaster and consultant, known for shaping the modern conversation around hair health, colour and longevity.

Suveen Shaib's aha moment came with the realization that nature held the blueprint to solving the cycle of hair damage and that synthetic biology was the path to get there. Fueled by a “less is more” philosophy, Suveen saw an opportunity to move beyond decades-old cosmetic chemistry and bring molecular innovation to the salon and the shower.

He partnered with leading scientists who spent over a decade decoding the keratin genome. Their breakthrough discovery, K18PEPTIDE™, a patented peptide capable of reversing hair damage in just 4 minutes, marked a seismic shift in the category.

Launching mid-pandemic, K18 quickly became a global phenomenon, earning icon status among pros and consumers alike, reaching 100+ countries, and becoming the leading global haircare brand on social media.

With over 20 billion TikTok views, 25+ prestigious industry awards (including WWD Product of the Year and Fast Company’s Most Innovative), and a growing portfolio of high-performance, synthetic biology powered innovations, Suveen continues to lead with the mission to simplify haircare, elevate performance and artistry for stylists and give people the freedom to do more with less.

Tom’s career began with a strong foundation in technical excellence, and over time he has become one of the most forward‑thinking talents in hair. Known for his bespoke cutting, advanced colour design, and tailored texture management, he has worked with top global brands and high‑profile clients, translating deep industry knowledge into inspiring work both on and off the salon floor.

As a trend forecaster and digital creator, Tom has cultivated a significant following by predicting and influencing global hair trends, while his thoughtful content and practical guidance have made him a trusted voice among professionals and consumers alike.

In 2026, Tom was appointed Global Ambassador for K18, a biology‑first haircare brand that champions hair longevity through breakthrough biotechnology. In this role, he collaborates with K18 across trend forecasting, professional education, global campaigns, and strategic storytelling, helping to elevate conversations around hair health, repair, and innovation in partnership with a brand that’s redefining what’s possible in haircare.

Tom’s work also includes the co‑founding of AEVUM, a pioneering salon in London that merges cutting‑edge biotechnology with holistic, hair‑health‑focused services, reflecting his belief that true hair transformation goes beyond aesthetics to embrace wellbeing, science, and personalised care.

Driven by passion, curiosity, and a commitment to empowering stylists worldwide, Tom continues to elevate industry standards, inspire creativity, and champion a future where haircare and hairstyling are rooted in both innovation and integrity.

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