New GSK boss Witty reshuffles corporate management

Source: Healthcare Exec

Date :01/05/2008 09:18:20

GlaxoSmithKline Plc’s incoming chief executive Andrew Witty announces changes to the group’s corporate management team.

Mr. Witty, who takes over from Jean-Pierre Garnier on May 22, announced the creation of new regional divisions, particularly in the emerging markets

Changing environment

Outlining the context for these changes, he said: "It is clear that our industry is facing a rapidly changing environment. Demand for innovative medicines and healthcare products continues to grow, however we are also presented with increasing challenges, such as cost containment, regulatory pressures and generic competition."

To address these challenges, Mr. Witty stated that the company must work hard to increase GSK's global reach and presence, and ensure that vaccines, consumer healthcare and pharmaceuticals all play their full potential.

He emphasized the need for GSK's business regions to drive sales growth, and announced new operational structures to expand and improve GSK's capability, particularly in emerging markets, which, he said, "contribute close to 25 percent of today's market growth".

Opportunities

As well as an emerging markets region, a new Asia Pacific region will also be created, which includes Japan and Australia.

Mr. Witty noted that many of these countries represent “significant and immediate opportunities" for existing products and products which will be launched over the next few years.

Marc Dunoyer, previously the group's president in Japan, will become president of the newly created Asia Pacific and Japan region, while Abbas Hussain will take charge of the emerging markets region.

High standards

"Ultimately, our culture and our people will be the key factors in our success. We need to ensure that we always do what is right for the patients and I want GSK to meet the highest standards expected of us by society," he commented.

The changes will take place when Mr. Witty is formally installed as chief executive.

May 01, 2008