GSK appoints chief medical officer

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced the appointment of Ellen Strahlman as chief medical officer of the company.

She has joined the company from Pfizer, where she was vice-president of licensing and worldwide business development.

Ms Strahlman has worked in a number of roles in the pharmaceutical industry, including as chief executive office of Virogen and chief medical officer and global head of research and development at Bausch & Lomb.

Moncef Slaoui, chairman of research and development at GSK, said: “This role unquestionably represents one of the most important physician leadership opportunities within the global biopharmaceutical industry.”

He added that Ms Strahlman is ideally suited to the role as a result of her management and business development experience, proven leadership skills and depth of medical expertise.

Earlier this week, GSK announced the resignation of Chris Vioehbacher from its board as executive director and president of North American pharmaceuticals.