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(Alliance News) - GlaxoSmithKline PLC said Wednesday former AstraZeneca PLC finance chief Jonathan Symonds will replace outgoing Chair Philip Hampton at the FTSE 100-listed drugmaker from the start of September.
Symonds is currently deputy chair at FTSE 100-listed lender HSBC Holdings PLC. Prior to this, he served as chief financial officer at Swiss drugmaker Novartis AG and FTSE 100-listed Anglo-Swedish peer AstraZeneca.
HSBC separately announced Symonds would step down as a non-executive and deputy chair at the FTSE 100-listed lender from February 18, 2020, following his GSK appointment.
Symonds will replace Hampton - in post since 2015 - after he announced his intention to lave in January.
GSK Non-Executive Director Vindi Banga said the appointment of Symonds followed a "thorough" process.
"Jon has exceptional experience in life sciences, and in the financial management and governance of major, global companies," Banga added. "Throughout his career he has demonstrated a passion for science, and is known for his integrity and professionalism."
Symonds added: "I am delighted to be joining GSK, at what is a really important time for the company as it seeks to create value from its new R&D approach, and to create two, new world-leading companies, one focussed on Pharmaceuticals and Vaccines, the other on Consumer Healthcare."
Shares in GSK were 0.7% lower at 1,649.59 pence in London. The company is set to release its second quarter results at midday Wednesday
