Emma Walmsley Steps Down as GSK CEO After Nearly Nine Years
Emma Walmsley, who has led GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) for nearly nine years, is stepping down. She will continue with the company until September 2023 to manage global entry risks and ensure a smooth leadership transition. Her departure marks the end of one of the most prominent female CEO tenures in British business and the global pharma industry.
Walmsley faced investor pressure over GSK's pipeline of new medicines and sales targets. Despite this, she oversaw the rollout of a RSV vaccine and the separation of GSK's consumer business into Haleon PLC. GSK shares rose 3.5 percent in early London trading following the announcement of her departure. Luke Miels, GSK's chief commercial officer, will succeed Walmsley as CEO starting January 1, 2023. Miels joined GSK in 2017 and has been responsible for the company's global medicines and vaccines business.
GSK is investing US$30 billion in the US over the next five years to grow its presence in the country. With Walmsley's departure and Miels' appointment, the company looks to a new chapter in its leadership and growth strategy.
