CSL has announced that Gordon Naylor will lead the company's new global influenza vaccine business, which will launch in early 2016.
Mr Naylor is currently the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and has held executive management responsibility for CSL’s existing vaccines and pharmaceutical subsidiary, bioCSL, since 2012.
In October 2014, CSL agreed to acquire Novartis’ global influenza vaccine business for US$275 million, and announced its intention to combine it with bioCSL.
The acquisition will be completed on 31 December 2015 and remains subject to regulatory approvals in a number of jurisdictions.
"The combination of the two businesses is expected to create the world’s second largest influenza vaccine manufacturing company with plants in the US, UK, Germany and Australia, a diversified product portfolio and strong pandemic capabilities in its major centres of operation," the company said in a statement.
The business will continue to manufacture, in-license and distribute a broad range of vaccines and specialty pharmaceuticals in Australia and New Zealand.
“Gordon is a proven leader with the experience to integrate two strong vaccine companies and build a highly focused, growth-orientated global business,” said CSL’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Paul Perreault.
Since joining CSL in 1987, Mr Naylor has held a number of global operations and general management positions, including serving as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer since 2010.
“Gordon’s extensive experience positions him well to lead the new organisation,” Mr Perreault said.
Mr Naylor will continue in his current role throughout a transition period with his successor. bioCSL’s operations will continue under the management of the current leadership team until completion of the acquisition of the Novartis influenza vaccine business. An international search will shortly commence for Mr Naylor’s successor as Chief Financial Officer, allowing for a planned transition process.