CSL appoints Deborah Waterhouse as new CEO

• CSL named ViiV Healthcare CEO Deborah Waterhouse as its next CEO and Managing Director.
• The CSL share price closed lower following the announcement, falling 0.11% to $196.08.
• The board unanimously selected Waterhouse to continue operational momentum and grow biopharmaceutical pipelines when she takes over on Feb. 1, 2027.

Biotechnology company CSL (ASX:CSL) has appointed Deborah Waterhouse as its CEO and Managing Director, effective Feb. 1, 2027.

The board selected Waterhouse following a global search process to replace interim CEO Gordon Naylor, who will remain in his role until the transition date before returning to the board as a non-executive director.

“In February this year we said CSL's next chief executive would need the ability to continue the momentum of our commercial performance, renew our pipeline and simplify our operations without losing the science and purpose that built this great company,” said CSL Chair Dr Brian McNamee.

Waterhouse brings more than 25 years of biopharmaceutical experience to the position, having overseen ViiV Healthcare during a period where the business recorded £7.7 billion in sales during the 2025 financial year.

The incoming executive will retain her primary base in the U.K. while spending time across key operational centres in Australia and the U.S.

Following the announcement, the CSL share price was down at $196.08.

The appointment comes as the group navigates ongoing commercial growth alongside a portfolio renewal strategy across its global speciality healthcare divisions.

Waterhouse previously led commercial business units for pharmaceutical company GSK across Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and the U.S. before taking on global leadership responsibilities.