GSK appoints new director

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced the appointment of a non-executive director. Dr Stephanie Burns has been employed in the role and will join the board of directors of GSK immediately.

Dr Burns, an PhD holder in organic chemistry specialising in organosilicon, is presently employed as chairman, chief executive officer and president of Dow Corning.

Joining Dow Corning in 1983 as a researcher, Dr Burns became director of women’s health in 1994 and science and technology director for Europe in 1997, being elected to the board of directors in 2000.

Dr Burns was elected as chief executive officer and president of Dow Corning in 2003, becoming chief operating officer in 2004 and chairman in 2006.

She is also on the executive committee of the Society of Chemical Industry and a member of the American Chemical Society.

Sir Christopher Gent, chairman of GSK, commented that the firm was pleased that Dr Burns had accepted her invitation to the board.

“As a recognised business leader of a global organisation, together with her strong scientific background and staunch advocacy for science education, Stephanie will bring a wealth of experience to the board.”

In June 2006, GSK announced the appointment of Dr Daniel Podolsky as a non-executive director of the company.