Investing.com -- Australian biotechnology company CSL Ltd (ASX:CSL) has appointed Deborah Waterhouse, chief executive of GSK-controlled ViiV Healthcare, as its next chief executive officer, tasking the industry veteran with restoring growth, strengthening its drug pipeline and improving operational performance.
Waterhouse will take over as CEO and managing director on February 1, 2027, following a global search, CSL said on Wednesday. Interim CEO Gordon Naylor will remain in the role until then before resuming his position as a non-executive director.
CSL shares closed down 0.1% at A$196.08 on Wednesday, compared with a 0.3% decline in the broader S&P/ASX 200, while the stock remained down around 11% over the past year.
Waterhouse has led ViiV Healthcare, a specialist HIV medicines business majority-owned by GSK, since 2017. The company recorded sales of £7.7 billion during GSK's 2025 financial year. She also serves as president of GSK Global Health and previously led the pharmaceutical group's U.S. vaccines and primary care businesses, as well as its Australia and New Zealand operations.
CSL Chair Brian McNamee said Waterhouse had the experience to sustain commercial momentum, renew the company's pipeline and simplify operations without losing its scientific focus. Waterhouse said her priority would be to build on CSL's foundations and deliver more reliable growth for patients and shareholders.
The appointment comes as CSL works to recover from disappointing financial and commercial performance. The company downgraded its financial guidance twice during fiscal 2026 and recorded significant impairment charges, including against its Vifor product portfolio. It has since moved to simplify operations, sharpen capital allocation and refocus research and development, according to its latest annual report.
Waterhouse will retain her base in the United Kingdom while spending significant time in Australia, the United States and CSL's major markets. CSL said her annual base salary will be £1.5 million, alongside performance-linked incentives and share awards.
Original Article
CSL appoints ViiV Healthcare chief Deborah Waterhouse as CEO from February
