GSK chief executive to step down in 2017

Pharmaceutical company GSK has announced to shareholders that its chief executive (CEO) Sir Andrew Witty will be retiring from his role in 2017.

GSK released a statement today, March 17 revealing the news.

He (pictured left) had indicated his intention to retire to the company’s board, which then agreed that he would retire on March 31, 2017.

The board will now formally search for a successor, and consider internal and external applicants.

Sir Philip Hampton, chairman at the firm, said: “Andrew’s retirement next year will represent the culmination of 32 years of service and leadership to GSK and the industry. We will thank Andrew more formally for his tremendous dedication and contribution next year.”

Witty said: “GSK is a very special company with an inspiring mission and many dedicated people. By next year, I will have been CEO for nearly ten years and I believe this will be the right time for a new leader to take over.”

Photo: Courtesy of GSK (https://www.flickr.com/photos/glaxosmithkline/albums/with/72157626748527760)