
Leadership Update: Carl Haney to Join Haleon as Chief Research & Development Officer from August 2025
Haleon announced the appointment of Carl Haney as its new Chief Research & Development Officer, effective August 1, 2025. Haney brings decades of experience in global consumer health and innovation.
He succeeds Franck Riot, who is stepping down after six successful years at Haleon. Riot played a key role in shaping the company’s innovation strategy during and after the separation from GSK.
Carl Haney joins from Estée Lauder Companies Inc., where he served for 13 years as Executive Vice President, Global Innovation and R&D. Prior to that, he spent over 20 years at Procter & Gamble in senior roles across Home, Health, and Beauty Care.
Brian McNamara, CEO of Haleon, shared his enthusiasm for the appointment:“Carl is a world-renowned leader in R&D with extensive experience driving transformative innovation in global consumer businesses. He will be a valuable addition to our executive team as we continue to unlock Haleon’s full potential through our ‘Win as One’ strategy.”
Reflecting on Riot’s departure, McNamara said: “I would like to thank Franck for his outstanding contribution over the past six years. He has played a pivotal role in driving our innovation agenda and setting Haleon up for long-term success.”
Carl Haney expressed excitement about his new role: “I am thrilled to join Haleon at such a pivotal point in its journey. R&D plays a vital role in delivering on the company’s ambitions and its purpose of delivering better everyday health with humanity. I look forward to working with the team and getting started in August.”
With Haney stepping in as Chief R&D Officer, Haleon is poised to advance its innovation capabilities and accelerate its transformation into a world-class consumer health company.