Waterhouse to lead CSL, from UK

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, October 22, 2026

CSL has appointed Deborah Waterhouse, the current CEO of ViiV Healthcare, as its new chief executive officer effective February 1, aiming to guide the Australian biopharmaceutical company through financial setbacks and a declining share price. Her extensive industry experience is expected to help CSL stabilize its commercial performance, advance its product pipeline, and restore investor confidence after recent profit declines and leadership changes.

CSL has named Deborah Waterhouse as its next chief executive officer, appointing the experienced global healthcare executive to lead the Australian biopharmaceutical company through a challenging period marked by declining sales and profits. Waterhouse, who currently serves as CEO of HIV specialist ViiV Healthcare in the United Kingdom, will officially take up her new position on February 1.

Waterhouse’s appointment comes as CSL, a company with a 110-year history, has faced significant financial difficulties in recent years. Between 2024 and 2026, the company’s share price fell by as much as two-thirds amid profit downgrades and the resignation of former CEO Paul McKenzie in early 2026. Since McKenzie’s departure, CSL has been under the interim leadership of director Gordon Naylor.

In announcing the appointment, CSL chairman Brian McNamee emphasized the need for a leader capable of sustaining commercial performance, advancing the company’s product pipeline, and streamlining operations without compromising the scientific foundations of the business. “Deborah is an outstanding global leader with a proven ability to grow complex businesses,” McNamee said.

Waterhouse brings extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry, having led ViiV Healthcare — a joint venture majority owned by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Japanese firm Shionogi — since 2017. Under her leadership, ViiV Healthcare reported sales of £7.7 billion. Her background also includes heading GSK’s U.S. vaccines and primary care divisions, in addition to serving as GSK’s general manager for Australia and New Zealand from 2008 to 2012.

Her total remuneration package for the CSL role could reach £21.96 million (approximately A$41.85 million), which includes one-time payments related to forfeited awards from her current role at GSK. However, this amount is not an annual salary; it is contingent on meeting performance targets.

Waterhouse acknowledged CSL’s stature within the healthcare industry and expressed optimism about the company’s prospects. “CSL is one of the great companies in our industry, and I saw what it means to Australia when I lived and worked in Melbourne,” she said. “The foundations are strong. My job is to continue the momentum and evolve the path into reliable growth for patients and shareholders.”

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.