Boardroom shuffles at GSK and Roche
pharmafile | May 8, 2015 | News story | Medical Communications, Sales and Marketing | GSK, Novartis, Roche, ViiV, changes, leadership
GlaxoSmithKline and Roche have announced the latest changes to its leadership teams as the companies regroup for the year ahead.
The Royal Bank of Scotland’s Sir Philip Hampton has finally taken over Sir Christopher Gent’s GSK chairman role as was previously announced, and wasted no time confirming some boardroom alterations.
Any positive transformation will be welcomed at the British firm as its latest financials show pharma sales are continuing to slide in the first quarter of 2015, propped up by its HIV business ViiV healthcare and some products acquired through its mega-merger with Novartis – although that has resulted in job losses.
In terms of top level hires rather, now Manvinder Singh Banga will be joining GSK as a non-executive director in September and is to succeed Sir Deryck Maughan as senior independent director with effect from May next year. Sir Deryck will not be seeking re-election at its next annual general meeting.
Banga worked for Unilever from 1977 to 2010 in a number of senior positions, with his last role there being as the president of its foods, home and personal care businesses. He is currently a partner at the private equity fund Clayton, Dubilier & Rice and a chairman at the Mauser Group.
No stranger to blue chip executive teams, Banga is also a senior independent director of Marks & Spencer and a non-executive director at Thomson Reuters.
Sir Philip says: “I am delighted that Vindi is joining the board. Vindi brings with him many years of experience and a track record of delivering outstanding performance in a highly competitive global consumer-focussed industry which will be invaluable to GSK. My colleagues and I very much look forward to welcoming him to the board.”
GSK has also confirmed that non-executive director Urs Rohner has been appointed chairman of the remuneration committee in anticipation of Tom de Swaan’s retirement from the board.
Another non-executive director, Lynn Elsenhans, has been appointed chairman of the corporate responsibility committee in the wake of Sir Christopher stepping down.
Musical pharma chairs
Board changes are all the rage lately as only yesterday Pfizer confirmed two key appointments to lead its worldwide research and development organisation.
Now it is also the turn of Swiss-based Roche that has announced Dame DeAnne Julius who has been a board member since 2002, has decided that she will not stand for re-election next year. Taking her place will likely be Julie Brown, a chief financial officer of Smith & Nephew.
Roche chairman Christoph Franz says: “As a board member and as chairman of the audit committee Dame DeAnne Julius has made important contributions to the success of Roche. On behalf of the board I want to express my profound gratitude for her valuable services and wish her all the best for the future.”
Brett Wells
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