Leadership Shift at ParagonCare: Can New CEO Deliver on Growth?
ParagonCare appoints Carmen Riley as CEO effective July 1, 2025, with a planned transition period under outgoing CEO David Collins to complete integration and pursue M&A opportunities.
- Carmen Riley appointed CEO from July 1, 2025
- David Collins to remain Managing Director until June 30, 2026
- Focus on completing ParagonCare and CH2 integration
- David Collins to lead M&A pipeline during transition
- Carmen Riley brings extensive experience from merged entities
Leadership Transition at ParagonCare
ParagonCare Limited (ASX, PGC), a prominent healthcare wholesaler across the Asia Pacific region, has announced a significant leadership change. Carmen Riley, currently Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director, will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer starting 1 July 2025. This appointment marks a strategic step as the company seeks to consolidate its recent mergers and position itself for sustained growth.
David Collins, the current CEO and Managing Director, will remain in his role until 30 June 2026 to ensure a smooth transition. During this period, Collins will focus primarily on advancing ParagonCare’s mergers and acquisitions (M&A) pipeline, aiming to capitalize on growth opportunities while supporting Riley’s takeover.
Background and Integration Progress
Carmen Riley’s promotion follows the successful merger of ParagonCare with Clifford Hallam Healthcare (CH2) and Oborne. Having spent 15 years with CH2 in senior roles before the merger, Riley possesses deep operational knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of the company’s sales and supply chain functions. This experience is expected to be invaluable as ParagonCare completes the final stages of integrating its merged entities.
The company’s Chair, Peter Lacaze, expressed confidence in Riley’s leadership, highlighting her instrumental role in the growth of CH2 and the integration process. The orderly transition is designed to maintain momentum and deliver on the company’s five-year growth strategy.
Strategic Outlook and Incentives
Riley’s employment terms include a total fixed remuneration of $700,000, inclusive of superannuation, with performance incentives aligned to shareholder interests. The company’s focus over the next year will be on completing integration efforts and executing M&A deals to expand its footprint in healthcare distribution and equipment.
With the healthcare sector evolving rapidly, ParagonCare’s leadership transition signals a commitment to agility and strategic growth. The company’s ability to leverage Riley’s operational expertise alongside Collins’ M&A focus could prove pivotal in navigating competitive pressures and market opportunities.
Bottom Line?
ParagonCare’s leadership handover sets the stage for a decisive growth chapter, with integration and acquisitions in sharp focus.
Questions in the middle?
- What specific M&A targets is ParagonCare pursuing under David Collins’ leadership?
- How will Carmen Riley’s operational approach influence the company’s growth strategy?
- What risks remain in completing the integration of ParagonCare, CH2, and Oborne?
