GlaxoSmithKline’s comms head wins Communique Award

GlaxoSmithKline's senior vice-president of global communications Philip Thomson has won a prestigious award in recognition of his outstanding personal achievements in the field of healthcare comms.

Mr Thomson earned the Communiquetor of the Year prize at the annual Communique Awards, thanks to his services to the industry and the strength of his efforts to enhance the sector's reputation.

He played a key role in GlaxoSmithKline's decision to become the first company to sign up to the AllTrials clinical trial transparency scheme, while also overseeing the acclaimed campaign highlighting its role as the official laboratory services provider for the London Olympics.

The judges said: "Whilst Sir Andrew Witty, as chief executive officer, gets many of the headlines, it is his wingman Philip who makes things happen, at the same time as driving the media agenda."

Mr Thomson has occupied his current role since August 2010 and has been part of the group since 1996, when he was hired by Glaxo Wellcome as a commercial trainee.