GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced that Abbas Hussain, president, global pharmaceuticals has decided to leave the company.  Abbas has agreed with GSK that he will leave the company later this year.

Meanwhile GSK appointed Luke Miels as new president, global pharmaceuticals.

Abbas joined GSK in 2008 and has held roles of increasing responsibility within the company’s pharmaceutical business. He is a member of GSK’s executive team and a board member of ViiV Healthcare.

Under his leadership, pharmaceutical and vaccine commercial performance in the US and European businesses has significantly improved, and the company has delivered a series of successful new product launches. At the last reported quarter, new pharmaceutical sales represented 25 per cent of total pharmaceutical sales.

Sir Andrew Witty, CEO, GSK commented, “In his time at GSK Abbas has proven himself to be one of the most talented and authentic leaders in the healthcare industry. I am personally grateful for his tremendous energy and support as a member of our executive team. Succession processes are challenging for everyone involved and, unfortunately, it is rare that all of those involved stay with the company. I wish him well in his future and thank him for the significant contribution he has made to GSK and the lives of many patients around the world.”

Luke will be responsible for a portfolio of medicines and vaccines with annual sales of more than £15 billion and operations in over 100 markets and will report to Emma Walmsley, who is currently CEO Designate and will become CEO of GSK in April 2017. His start date will be announced in due course.

Luke is currently executive vice president (EVP) of AstraZeneca’s European business and was previously EVP, Global Product and Portfolio Strategy, Global Medical Affairs and Corporate Affairs.

Commenting on the appointment, Emma Walmsley said: “Luke brings a combination of excellent R&D insight and a strong track record of commercial execution.

“We are now entering a critical period of commercialisation for our new pharmaceutical products and, over the next two to three years, we have important data to come on our early-stage pipeline. Luke will bring a strong new voice to the decisions and choices we will have to make for our Pharmaceuticals business. I am delighted he has agreed to join GSK and look forward to welcoming him to the executive team.”