GlaxoSmithKline appoints vice-president of global media relations

GlaxoSmithKline has selected David Mawdsley as its new vice-president of global media relations.

Mr Mawdsley, who has been with the pharmaceutical company since 2003, has previously worked in communications roles for the National Grid and the Conservative Party, reports PRWeek.

He will be responsible for overseeing the pharmaceutical company's engagement with the international media and replaces Phil Thomson, who was promoted to senior vice-president for global communications in June 2010.

Meanwhile, Mr Mawdsley's previous position of vice-president for investor relations will be taken up by Sally Ferguson, who has been with GlaxoSmithKline for nearly ten years.

In their new roles, both Mr Mawdsley and Ms Ferguson will be reporting directly to Mr Thomson.

Last month, GlaxoSmithKline published its financial report for the first half of 2010, during which the firm's sales grew by seven per cent year-on-year.

The firm's chief executive officer Andrew Witty stated that this represents good progress towards its long-term growth targets.