CSL Appoints Deborah Waterhouse as New CEO
The biopharmaceutical company has named Deborah Waterhouse to lead the organisation starting in 2027.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in People
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CSL has officially appointed Deborah Waterhouse to take over as CEO, marking a new leadership chapter for the global biotechnology firm. She will succeed interim CEO Gordon Naylor, who has been managing the company since early 2026.
Why it matters
The appointment represents a significant change at the helm of CSL following the removal of former CEO Paul McKenzie in February 2026. Waterhouse brings extensive industry experience, having led ViiV Healthcare for nearly a decade.
Deborah Waterhouse will reside in the UK while commuting to company operational centres in Australia and the US. She succeeds Paul McKenzie, who was removed from the CEO position in February 2026.
The players
Deborah Waterhouse
She is the newly appointed CEO of CSL who previously led ViiV Healthcare.
Gordon Naylor
He is the interim CEO of CSL who will return to a non-executive board role after his tenure ends.
Paul McKenzie
He is the former CEO of CSL who was removed from his position in February 2026.
CSL
It is an Australian global biotechnology company that specialises in blood plasma products and vaccines.
GSK
It is a global pharmaceutical and biotechnology company where Waterhouse previously served in senior executive roles.
The details
Deborah Waterhouse joins CSL after serving as the leader of ViiV Healthcare since 2017 and holding multiple executive roles at GSK. During her tenure at GSK, she previously acted as the general manager for the Australia and New Zealand region between 2008 and 2012.
Timeline
Waterhouse served as general manager for GSK from 2008 to 2012.
Waterhouse began leading ViiV Healthcare in 2017.
Paul McKenzie was removed as CSL CEO in February 2026.
Gordon Naylor steps down as interim CEO on 1 February 2027.
Market Landscape
This leadership appointment concludes the executive transition that followed the February 2026 removal of Paul McKenzie as CSL CEO. The move positions the company to recalibrate its global operational strategy under new leadership.
While the leadership change is unlikely to alter immediate product availability, customers and stakeholders should monitor for potential shifts in corporate strategy. The transition ensures stable management as the company continues operations across its global centres.
The takeaway
Waterhouse brings significant global pharmaceutical experience to her new role at CSL. Her transition signals a period of strategic continuity as the company moves past the leadership changes initiated in 2026.
What happens next
Gordon Naylor will officially step down from his position as interim CEO on 1 February 2027.
Further reading
For more information on executive changes in the region, visit the Australia People section.
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