Deborah Waterhouse to Lead CSL Limited as CEO from February 2027

Deborah Waterhouse Takes the Helm at CSL Limited

CSL Limited, a prominent player in the biopharmaceutical industry, has recently announced the appointment of Deborah Waterhouse as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director, effective from February 1, 2027. This strategic move comes after a comprehensive global search executed by the company's Board of Directors.

Waterhouse brings over 25 years of extensive experience in managing global pharmaceutical businesses, honing her skills across several markets including the United States, the UK, continental Europe, and Australia. Since 2017, she has held the position of CEO at ViiV Healthcare, a healthcare company partnered primarily with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), which specializes in HIV treatment. Under her leadership, ViiV achieved impressive sales, reaching £7.7 billion in revenue for the fiscal year 2025.

Additionally, her role at GSK includes presiding over GSK Global Health, giving her a formidable background in public health that will serve her well at CSL. She has previously led GSK’s Vaccine and Primary Care divisions in the U.S., and she was instrumental as Managing Director of GSK Australia and New Zealand from 2008 to 2012.

Dr. Brian McNamee, CSL's Chairman, praised Waterhouse's extensive track record, emphasizing that she embodies the necessary capabilities to drive CSL's performance further while evolving its product pipeline. “Deborah has demonstrated these competencies on multiple occasions. She is an exceptional global leader with a proven history in developing complex businesses,” McNamee stated in a press release.

Waterhouse’s appointment aims not only to sustain CSL's momentum but also to ensure a seamless transition into a new phase of growth, capitalizing on her deep understanding of the U.S. and Australian markets and her experience in managing strategic alliances and product portfolios.

In her own words, Waterhouse expressed admiration for CSL, noting, “I witnessed what this company represents for Australia while living and working in Melbourne. Its team saves lives daily, from plasma donation staff to scientists developing essential medicines and vaccines. My role will focus on maintaining this momentum and evolving our trajectory towards sustainable growth for both patients and shareholders.”

As she prepares to take on her new responsibilities, Waterhouse will maintain her base in the UK but will spend considerable time in Australia, the U.S., and key operational markets where CSL operates. Until her start date, Gordon Naylor will continue his role as Interim CEO and Managing Director, ensuring a well-coordinated transition.

In summary, CSL Limited has appointed a formidable leader in Waterhouse, who is poised to guide the organization through its next growth stage. With her extensive experience, notable leadership track record, and commitment to healthcare advancement, she sets the stage for a transformative era at CSL.

The Board of Directors’ unanimous decision to appoint her underscores their confidence in her capabilities and vision for CSL’s future.