Overview
- CSL announced on Tuesday that Paul McKenzie retired effective immediately as chief executive and managing director.
- Gordon Naylor, a 33-year CSL veteran and former CFO and Seqirus president, becomes interim CEO starting Wednesday.
- Chair Brian McNamee said new leadership is needed to drive performance and simplify operations after a difficult year.
- The change was disclosed on the eve of half-year results to avoid confusing the company’s message at the announcement.
- Shares fell nearly 5% to $171.39 on Tuesday, following an October guidance downgrade tied to weaker US vaccination rates, lower albumin demand from China, a year-long share slump, and the earlier exit of CFO Joy Linton.