HomeHealthcarePARAGON CARE (ASX:PGC)

Leadership Shuffle at Paragon Care: What Risks Lie in Dual CEO and MD Roles?

Healthcare By Ada Torres 3 min read

Paragon Care has appointed Carmen Riley as Managing Director alongside her CEO role, marking a key milestone in its planned leadership succession. This move signals confidence in her leadership as the company advances its growth and integration strategies.

  • Carmen Riley appointed Managing Director effective 1 March 2026
  • Riley continues as CEO, holding dual leadership roles
  • David Collins transitions to Executive Director focusing on strategic initiatives
  • Appointment aligns with succession plan announced in June 2025
  • Riley’s remuneration package includes $850,000 fixed pay plus incentives

Leadership Transition Formalised

Paragon Care Limited (ASX: PGC), a prominent healthcare wholesaler and manufacturer across the Asia Pacific, has confirmed the appointment of Carmen Riley as Managing Director, effective 1 March 2026. This appointment complements her current role as Chief Executive Officer, a position she has held since July 2025. The dual role underscores the board’s confidence in her leadership as the company navigates its next phase of growth.

The move follows the leadership succession framework outlined in June 2025, reflecting steady progress under Riley’s stewardship. Since taking the helm as CEO, she has driven operational improvements and advanced the integration of Paragon Care’s recent merger with Clifford Hallam Healthcare Pty Ltd, strengthening the company’s strategic foundations.

Experienced Leadership at the Helm

Riley brings over 15 years of experience within the broader organisation, including senior roles at Clifford Hallam Healthcare prior to the merger. Her deep sector knowledge and proven leadership capabilities position her well to steer Paragon Care through its evolving market landscape. The board chair, Peter Lacaze, praised her exceptional performance and expressed confidence in her ability to lead the company forward.

Meanwhile, David Collins, who has served as Managing Director until now, will transition to an Executive Director role. In this capacity, Collins will focus on corporate development, mergers and acquisitions, and finalising key integration initiatives. This shift allows the company to leverage his expertise while empowering Riley to take on expanded operational responsibilities.

Terms and Incentives

Riley’s employment terms include a total fixed remuneration of $850,000, encompassing superannuation and motor vehicle allowance. She is also eligible for a short-term incentive of up to 50% of her fixed pay and long-term incentives in the form of performance rights approved by shareholders at the November 2025 Annual General Meeting. The agreement includes standard termination and restraint provisions, ensuring alignment with corporate governance best practices.

Paragon Care’s leadership evolution comes at a pivotal time as the company consolidates its position in the healthcare distribution and manufacturing sector across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. The board’s strategic approach to succession and integration signals a commitment to sustained growth and operational excellence.

Bottom Line?

With Riley’s expanded leadership role, investors will watch closely how Paragon Care accelerates growth and integration in a competitive healthcare market.

Questions in the middle?

  • How will Carmen Riley’s dual role impact Paragon Care’s operational agility?
  • What are the specific performance targets tied to Riley’s long-term incentives?
  • How will David Collins’ focus on M&A shape Paragon Care’s strategic direction?