SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: CSL Limited (ASX:CSL) has appointed Dr Paul McKenzie as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director of CSL from 6 March 2023.

Dr Paul McKenzie will succeed Mr Paul Perreault, who has advised the Board of his intention to retire after serving 10 years in the role, and more than 25 years with the company. Dr McKenzie has been appointed following a thorough process conducted by the Board.

Currently serving as CSL’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Dr McKenzie, will immediately join the Board of Directors as an Executive Director and will become CEO and Managing Director on 6 March 2023. Mr Perreault will step down as CEO and from the CSL Board of Directors on 6 March 2023 and he will remain with the company as a strategic adviser to assist in an orderly transition until he retires on 6 September 2023.

Dr Paul McKenzie has more than 30 years of leadership experience in the global biotechnology industry, including managing complex organisations through compelling growth and transformation.

Since joining CSL as COO in 2019, Dr McKenzie has been accountable for optimising CSL’s operations as well as growing the CSL Seqirus, CSL Plasma, and CSL Vifor businesses.

He transformed CSL’s global end-to-end operations, advanced CSL Seqirus’ differentiated portfolio strategy, and led CSL Plasma through COVID-19 challenges while surpassing plasma collection volumes beyond pre-pandemic levels.

Prior to joining CSL, Dr McKenzie was Executive Vice President of Pharmaceutical Operations & Technology at Biogen. He also served in a range of progressively senior level roles in R&D and manufacturing at Johnson & Johnson, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Merck.

CSL Limited Chair Dr Brian McNamee said, “Paul McKenzie is a patient-focused global leader with a demonstrated track record of leading complex organizations and delivering outstanding business results. With his deep understanding of CSL’s strategy, culture and operations, Paul is well positioned to lead CSL to its next level of sustainable growth for our shareholders and the patients we serve around the world.”

Dr Paul McKenzie said, “CSL’s promise to save people’s lives through science has long distinguished our company. I am excited, honoured and humbled for the opportunity to continue building CSL’s legacy following the strong foundation established by Paul Perreault over the last decade.

I look forward to continuing our momentum and engaging closely with the Board, our leadership team, 30,000 colleagues, and other stakeholders to serve patients and public health around the world. We will continue focusing on executing our 2030 strategy, investing in innovation, and continue achieving sustainable and profitable growth.”