6th Feb 2006 14:05
GlaxoSmithKline PLC06 February 2006 Issued - Monday 6 February 2006, London Dr Tachi Yamada to Retire; Dr Moncef Slaoui Appointed Successor as Chairman of R&D GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK) announces that Dr. Tadataka (Tachi) Yamada, 60,Chairman, Research & Development and Executive Director, will retire on 1st June2006 to take up the role of Executive Director, Global Health Program, for theBill & Melinda Gates Foundation. From that date, Dr. Moncef Slaoui, 46,currently GSK's Senior Vice President, Worldwide Business Development andExternal Alliances in R&D, will become Chairman, Research & Development,reporting to Dr. Jean-Pierre Garnier, Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Slaoui willjoin GSK's Board of Directors on 17th May 2006 and be put forward for electionas a Director at the company's AGM on that day. Commenting on these changes, Dr. Garnier said: "Tachi has been a principalarchitect behind the transformation and dramatic improvement in GSK's R&Dproductivity, and he leaves GSK in a position of strength. We now have animpressive pipeline of innovative medicines that will benefit patients aroundthe world and provide a strong platform for GSK's future prosperity. With his enormous experience and empathy for patients, Tachi will bringinspirational leadership to the Gates Foundation in its global quest for betterhealthcare. The Gates Foundation is a pivotal partner with GSK, and we lookforward to continuing a strong relationship with Tachi in his new role. Moncef is a highly regarded scientist in industry and academia, and he hasplayed a key role in the development of GSK's strong pipeline of vaccines andpharmaceutical medicines during his 17 years with the company. His expertise innew product development will enable him to lead GSK's R&D organisation into anew era, as it delivers its exciting new pipeline." Dr. Yamada said: "I am proud to have been part of GSK, a business that makes areal difference to millions of patients all over the world. Our R&D organisationis in excellent shape and I am confident that under Moncef's leadership, GSKwill continue to deliver many innovative medicines of significant value topatients." S M Bicknell Company Secretary 6 February 2006 Enquiries: UK Media enquiries: Philip Thomson (020) 8047 5502 David Mawdsley (020) 8047 5502 Chris Hunter-Ward (020) 8047 5502 Alice Hunt (020) 8047 5502 US Media enquiries: Nancy Pekarek (215) 751 7709 Mary Anne Rhyne (919) 483 2839 Patricia Seif (215) 751 7709 European Analyst/Investor enquiries: Duncan Learmouth (020) 8047 5540 Anita Kidgell (020) 8047 5542 Jen Hill (020) 8047 5543 US Analyst/ Investor enquiries: Frank Murdolo (215) 751 7002 Tom Curry (215) 751 5419 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
Glaxosmithkline