GlaxoSmithKline appoints new non-executive director

GlaxoSmithKline has announced the appointment of Hans Wijers to its board as a non-executive director, an appointment that comes into effect on April 1st 2013.

Mr Wijers is the former chief executive officer and chairman of the multinational chemical and paints manufacturer AkzoNobel, while he also previously served as minister for economic affairs for the Dutch government.

He is the current chairman designate of the brewery firm Heineken and deputy chairman of Royal Dutch Shell, holding non-executive directorial roles at both of these companies.

The pharmaceutical company's board has determined that Mr Wijers will take on a similar independent role at GlaxoSmithKline, in accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code.

Sir Christopher Gent, chairman of GlaxoSmithKline, said: "His broad business experience, including as chief executive of AkzoNobel, together with his economic and political knowledge will enable him to make a significant contribution to the future success of GlaxoSmithKline."

This follows the appointment of Lynn Elsenhans and Jing Ulrich as non-executive directors last summer.