GSK unveil appointment coup for board of directors
pharmafile | July 21, 2017 | Appointment | Business Services, Manufacturing and Production, Medical Communications, Research and Development, Sales and Marketing | Boehringer Ingelheim, GSK, biotech, drugs, immunooncology, pharma, pharmaceutical
GSK continue its appointment spree with a particularly notable staff acquisition, with leading immuno-oncology scientist, Dr Laurie Glimcher, joining its Board of Directors. It is becoming evident that new CEO, Emma Walmsley, is aiming to put her own stamp onto the company through a series of high-profile R&D appointments.
Glimcher is particularly impressive move, with a wealth of research breakthroughs regarding the immune system and a history of championing women’s role within the lab. A week ago she chose to ‘retire’ from her position as board member of Boehringer Ingelheim, only for her new appointment to be revealed.
Glimcher is currently CEO of Dana-Farber, a cancer treatment and research institute based in Boston, and brings with considerable expertise in oncology. This could be an indication that GSK is considering moving into the oncology space, this is despite selling its oncology portfolio to Novartis for $16 billion, back in 2014. An about-face in oncology has already been performed, as previous CEO Witty claimed the products sold were ‘last generation’ and freed the company to take a more innovative approach.
The new approach had a focus on immuno-oncology and it will attract a fair amount of interest across the industry that company has pushed the boat out to acquire an individual as notable in the field as Glimcher.
Philip Hampton, Chairman of GSK, said: “I am delighted Laurie is joining the Board. Laurie brings a wealth of expertise in scientific and medical innovation and public health which will be invaluable to GSK.”
As a Non-Executive Director, GSK revealed that Glimcher will receive standard annual fees of £85,000 per year, with a further £30,000 paid for her duties as a Board Scientific and Medical Expert.
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