GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced that its ceo Dr Jean-Pierre Garnier's contract, which was set to expire on his 60th birthday in October 2007, has been extended to May 2008.
Garnier took up the role of ceo in January 2001 following the merger of SmithKline Beecham, where he became ceo in April 2000, and Glaxo Wellcome. He joined SmithKline Beecham in 1990 as president of its pharmaceutical business in North America and served as chairman of pharmaceuticals from 1994 until his appointment as chief operating officer in 1995.
"I believe that the next two years will see further confirmation of GSK's strong and innovative pipeline, with many significant filings and launches of new medicines and vaccines," he said following his contract extension. "I am proud to have the opportunity to continue leading GSK through this very important period."
The holder of a PhD in pharmacology and an MS in pharmaceutical science from the University of Louis Pasteur in France, Garnier is also a Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur and a recipient of the Oliver R Grace Award for Distinguished Service in Advancing Cancer Research. In 2001 he was presented with the Marco Polo Award for GSK's commitment to China; in 2002 he was honoured with the Fulbright Association's Lifetime Achievement Medal, and in 2005 received the Global Business Leadership Award from Stanford Business School and the Global Corporate Citizenship Award from AMREF (African Medical and Research Foundation).
"I am delighted that JP. has agreed to an extension of his contract and will continue to lead GSK for the next two years," Said Sir Christopher Gent, GSK chairman. "This will maintain momentum for GSK in what will be an important and exciting period..and, during this period, will enable the Board to complete the process for appointing his successor."