Former long-time CEO Dr Brian McNamee AO is returning to CSL as a non-executive director and chairman-elect.
The former global head of GSK pharmaceuticals and vaccines, Abbas Hussain, has also been appointed a non-executive director. Both appointments are effective 14 February 2018.
Dr McNamee, who led the company for 23 years from its privatisation until 2013, will succeed Professor John Shine AC.
Professor Shine announced his intention to retire at the company's 2018 annual general meeting in October 2018 following 11 years on the Board and six years as Chair.
“I am honoured and proud of the business we have been able to build first with Brian McNamee and over the past four and a half years with Paul Perreault as CEO,” said Professor Shine. “Today, CSL is extremely well positioned to continue achieving sustainable growth. The future of CSL and the patients that we serve has never been brighter.”
Since retiring from CSL, Dr McNamee has advised private equity group Kohlberg Kravis Roberts on its global pharmaceutical and healthcare investments and acquisitions. He has also pursued a number of private start-up activities.
“I am extremely pleased to welcome Brian to the Board,” said Professor Shine. “He was a remarkable leader at CSL and is uniquely placed to lead the Board in working with CEO and Managing Director Paul Perreault and his executive team to continue driving CSL’s future.”
Dr McNamee said, “CSL has grown and evolved to another new level under Paul’s exceptional leadership. I am honoured to be appointed in this capacity and look forward to working with the Board and Paul. I offer my gratitude to John for the immeasurable contributions he has made.”
Mr Hussain is currently a director of Immunocore Limited, a T cell receptor company developing biological drugs to treat cancer, infectious diseases and autoimmune diseases.
Professor Shine AC said, “I am delighted that we have been able to appoint Abbas Hussain to the CSL Board. His significant industry knowledge and extensive global experience, particularly in markets that CSL is keen to further expand into, will be of great value as we continue to grow and deliver on our promise to patients.”
CSL CEO and managing director Mr Paul Perreault added, “I look forward to working closely with Brian and Abbas. Their impressive experience will be additive as we continue to evolve and grow CSL as a fully integrated global biotechnology leader.”