Beaten-up ASX 200 stock jumps 14% on CEO resignation

Investors are cheering on this exit.

| More on:
A man raises his reading glasses in a look of surprise.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Healius Ltd (ASX: HLS) shares are storming higher on Tuesday morning.

In early trade, the beaten-up ASX 200 stock is up 14% to $1.28.

Why is this ASX 200 stock jumping?

Investors have been buying the healthcare company's shares this morning after it announced the exit of its CEO, Maxine Jaquet.

According to the release, Jaquet has left Healius with immediate effect and has been replaced by its chief financial officer, Paul Anderson.

While a company's shares will often come under significant pressure when a CEO leaves abruptly, it seems that the market is cheering on this exit on this occasion. After all, since Ms Jaquet was elevated to the CEO role in March 2023, the ASX 200 stock had lost over half of its value.

It's possible the market believes a change of leadership was needed to get the company back on the right path.

Strategic review

In other news, the company has announced that it will now commence a wide-ranging strategic review of its structure and assets.

It will engage investment banking advisors to help undertake the review alongside management and the Board of Healius.

The company's new CEO, Paul Anderson, will lead the strategic review, which is aimed at maximising shareholder value in a changing diagnostics market. It will be undertaken in conjunction with the ongoing Pathology Transformation Reset Program.

Healius' interim chair, Ms Kate McKenzie, believes Anderson is the right person to lead to review. She said:

Paul is an experienced business leader with an extensive background in industries facing significant disruption. He has strong credentials to lead the strategic review of Healius and we are pleased he has agreed to take on the CEO role as we plan and execute this next stage for our business.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Market News

Focused man entrepreneur with glasses working, looking at laptop screen thinking about something intently while sitting in the office.
Share Market News

5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

It looks set to be a tough session for Aussie investors on hump day.

Read more »

Two bidders raise their hands in the air to bid up the price of an ASX 200 share
Share Market News

10 most traded ASX shares among 1 million Aussie investors last year

CMC Markets has more than one million Australian investors registered on its trading platform.

Read more »

A male electricity worker in hard hat and high visibility vest stands underneath large electricity generation towers as he holds a laptop computer and gazes up at the high voltage wires overhead.
Broker Notes

Should you buy this ASX utilities stock before it explodes?

One broker has an optimistic price target on this All Ords stock.

Read more »

Three people in a corporate office pour over a tablet, ready to invest.
Share Market News

Pinnacle Investment Management profit dips as revenue climbs, dividend steady

Pinnacle Investment Management reported higher revenue but lower profits, while keeping its dividend steady for investors.

Read more »

rising share price line observed by person
Share Gainers

3 ASX 200 momentum stocks to buy right now

These shares have shown an incredible price rally over the past year.

Read more »

Two happy excited friends in euphoria mood after winning in a bet with a smartphone in hand.
Broker Notes

These ASX 200 shares could rise 50% to 80%

Analysts have good things to say about these shares and are predicting big returns.

Read more »

Two men celebrate while another holds his head in his hands, after watching the race.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Despite the RBA, investors were back to the races this Tuesday.

Read more »

A male sharemarket analyst sits at his desk looking intently at his laptop with two other monitors next to him showing stock price movements
Broker Notes

Are Graincorp and PLS shares buys, holds, or sells?

Morgans has given its verdict on these shares.

Read more »