Emma Walmsley will replace Andrew Witty as CEO of Britain-based GlaxoSmithKline when he retires on March 31, making her the first women to manage a leading global drug company, according to Reuters.
Ms. Walmsley will be the seventh female CEO in Britain's FTSE 100 index. At present, she serves as CEO of GSK's consumer healthcare division. She's been on GSK's executive team since 2011 and previously served in a variety of marketing and general management roles at L'Oreal for 17 years.
"GSK is a company that leads both in science and in the way it does business. We have momentum in the group and as the demand for medical innovation and trusted healthcare products continues to rise, we have the opportunity and the potential to create meaningful benefits for patients, consumers and our shareholders," Ms. Walmsley said.
She will join GSK's board of directors Jan. 1.
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