Quick Read
- Paul McKenzie retired as CEO and Managing Director of CSL.
- Gordon Naylor was appointed interim CEO and MD, effective February 11, 2026.
- McKenzie served three years as CEO, overseeing significant growth and new therapy launches.
- Naylor has over 30 years of experience at CSL, including as CFO and President of Seqirus.
- The CSL board is conducting a search for a permanent CEO.
SYDNEY (Azat TV) – CSL Limited, the Australian biopharmaceutical giant, has announced a significant leadership transition, with Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Paul McKenzie retiring from his role. Veteran company executive Gordon Naylor has been appointed as interim CEO and Managing Director, effective February 11, 2026, signaling a focus on continuity during the search for a permanent successor.
McKenzie’s departure follows a seven-year tenure with CSL, including three years at the helm as CEO. During his leadership, he was instrumental in guiding the group through the complexities of COVID-19 disruptions, significantly expanding CSL’s plasma collection operations, and overseeing the successful launch of critical new therapies. These included HEMGENIX for haemophilia B and ANDEMBRY for hereditary angioedema, alongside driving large-scale operational transformation initiatives across the company. Prior to becoming CEO, McKenzie also served as CSL’s Chief Operating Officer. The company’s stock saw a nearly 5% decline following the announcement, reflecting market reaction to the executive change, according to TipRanks.
Gordon Naylor’s Extensive CSL History
Gordon Naylor, whose appointment as interim CEO takes effect immediately, brings an extensive and deep understanding of CSL’s operations and strategic direction. Naylor boasts a 33-year history in senior roles within CSL, having previously served as Chief Financial Officer and President of Seqirus, CSL’s influenza vaccine business. His vast experience includes playing a pivotal role in building the company’s global plasma and vaccine footprint and leading a significant turnaround of the Seqirus influenza business. Naylor also led the formation of CSL’s three core businesses: CSL Behring, CSL Plasma, and Seqirus. He rejoined the company as a non-executive director in December, prior to this interim appointment, as noted by Investing.com.
CSL Chair Brian McNamee emphasized Naylor’s profound corporate knowledge and leadership capabilities, stating that the board has granted Naylor full authority to lead the company while the search for a permanent chief executive is conducted. This move underscores the board’s commitment to maintaining momentum in executing CSL’s long-term strategic transformation, sustaining robust investment in research and development, and delivering continued growth for patients, public health systems, and shareholders.
CSL’s Strategic Vision Amidst Leadership Change
CSL Limited is a global biopharmaceutical leader renowned for its focus on developing and delivering plasma-derived therapies, vaccines, and specialty medicines. These treatments are vital for individuals suffering from serious and rare diseases. The company operates extensive global networks for plasma collection and manufacturing, and through its key businesses like CSL Behring, CSL Plasma, and Seqirus, it has established leading positions in plasma therapies and influenza vaccines worldwide. The interim appointment of Naylor, a figure deeply integrated into CSL’s history and strategic development, is intended to ensure a steady hand at the helm during this transition period, preserving the company’s trajectory in innovation and market expansion.
The seamless transition to an internal veteran like Gordon Naylor reflects CSL’s strategic priority to uphold operational stability and maintain investor confidence during a critical leadership change, ensuring ongoing commitment to its pipeline and global health initiatives.