Haleon Welcomes Carl Haney as Chief Research & Development Officer to Drive Innovation

Carl Haney Takes the Helm at Haleon

In a significant move for the consumer health sector, Haleon has announced the appointment of Carl Haney as its new Chief Research & Development Officer, effective August 1, 2025. This strategic decision comes on the heels of Franck Riot's departure, who has played a pivotal role in the company over the last six years.

Carl Haney brings with him an impressive track record, having invested over 13 years at Estée Lauder Companies Inc. as the Executive Vice President for Global Innovation and R&D. His extensive experience includes over 20 years at Procter & Gamble, where he engaged in diverse capacities spanning Home, Health, and Beauty Care. Given this background, Haney is well-positioned to lead Haleon’s innovation strategy, which aims to capitalize on upcoming market opportunities.

Brian McNamara, the CEO of Haleon, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the new appointment, stating: "I am delighted to welcome Carl to Haleon. As a world-renowned leader in R&D, he possesses substantial expertise in fostering transformative innovation within global consumer businesses. His addition to our executive team is expected to enhance our strategies designed to maximize the significant potential of Haleon."

Haleon is keenly aware of the challenges of transitioning from a company crafted through a merger into a standalone entity. Franck Riot's contributions laid the groundwork for the company’s transformative efforts aimed at establishing a sustained innovation agenda, leading up to and well beyond separation. This recalibration phase presents both challenges and profound opportunities for Haleon as it engages its new strategy titled "Win as One."

On his part, Haney expressed his eagerness to join Haleon during this transformative period. He is particularly passionate about the role of R&D in fulfilling Haleon's mission: to enhance everyday health with a genuine commitment to humanity. Haney’s vision centers around delivering innovative health solutions while engaging deeply with the consumer base and nurturing a collaborative atmosphere among the staff.

With an expansive product mix that includes household names such as Advil, Centrum, and Sensodyne, Haleon is poised to redefine its position in the consumer health landscape. The brand's commitment to innovation will remain a cornerstone of its ethos, and Haney's leadership will play an integral role in driving this forward.

As consumers increasingly seek trusted solutions and products, the importance of innovation in meeting these demands cannot be overstated. The introduction of Haney into this pivotal role may not only enhance Haleon’s existing offerings but also pave the way for new product development that adheres to their vision of better everyday health.

The announcement has generated interest among industry stakeholders, who are keen to see how Haney's strategies will be implemented and how they might influence the future course of Haleon. In summary, Carl Haney’s arrival at Haleon heralds a new era for the company, one that is guided by a commitment to innovation, consumer engagement, and a steadfast mission centered around improving health outcomes globally.