GlaxoSmithKline Plc has announced Andrew Witty, president of its European pharmaceuticals business will succeed Chief Executive Jean-Pierre Garnier.
Glaxo, Europe's biggest drugmaker,said Witty was selected from three internal candidates, Chris Viehbacher, head of Glaxo's U.S. business, and David Stout, the pharmaceuticals division chief.
Witty, 43, joined Glaxo UK in 1985 and has extensive experience working in many parts of the world, including developed and developing markets, as well as the United States and Europe.
Garnier had originally been due to step down this month; however his contract was extended last year until May 2008, so that he could oversee the rollout of key new products.
Difficult year
The appointment comes after a difficult year for the company in which some researchers have argued that its best-selling diabetes drug Avandia increases the risk of heart attacks.
The company, the world's second-largest drugmaker, behind U.S.-based Pfizer Inc has also suffered problems with two key pharmaceutical products in the US.
In August the US Food and Drug Administration delayed approval of its new migraine drug Trexima for a second time.
October 8 2007
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