GSK announces new appointments

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced a number of changes to its staff at the executive level.

Andrew Witty, chief executive officer designate, has been appointed as an executive director, together with Chris Viehbacher, president of US pharmaceuticals at the firm, with both joining the board of directors from the end of January 2008.

Senior vice-president and general manager of UK pharmaceuticals at the company Eddie Gray will replace Andrew Witty as president of pharmaceuticals in Europe for GSK at the start of next year.

David Stout, president of pharmaceuticals at the company, will leave GSK during February 2008.

Sir Christopher Gent, chairman of the company, said: “I am very pleased that both Andrew and Chris will be joining the board.”

He added that these changes have resulted in a net increase in the number of executive members on the board of directors, a shift that will guarantee its strong adherence to the strategy and performance of the company.

JP Garnier, chief executive officer of GSK, thanked Mr Stout for his work at the company and congratulated Mr Gray for his appointment and welcomed him to the corporate executive team of the firm.

In September 2007, GSK announced the appointment of Professor Sir Roy Anderson as a non-executive director of the company.