GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), ViiV Healthcare, and Pfizer announced the appointment of David Redfern as the new chairman of the board for ViiV Healthcare with effect from 1st April 2011, following the retirement of Julian Heslop.  David will continue to serve as chief strategy officer at GSK, which owns a majority share in ViiV Healthcare.

“David played a significant role in the creation of ViiV Healthcare and brings his extensive depth of knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry to the Board” said Julian Heslop, current chairman of the board for ViiV Healthcare.

David was appointed GSK’s chief strategy officer in May 2008 and is responsible for proactive exploration of new business opportunities and strategic planning.  Previously, he served as senior vice president, Northern Europe with responsibility for managing GSK's pharmaceutical business, and prior to that was the senior vice president and chief financial officer of Pharma Europe.  David also had overall responsibility for the European HIV business from 2006 to 2008.

“I am looking forward to the renewed challenge as chair of the board for ViiV Healthcare and supporting this highly focused HIV company as it grows over the coming years.  This will be an exciting time in the delivery of ViiV Healthcare and I am pleased to be part of its future success.”  commented David Redfern on his appointment.

ViiV Healthcare - is a global specialist HIV company established in November 2009 by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Pfizer dedicated to delivering advances in treatment and care for people living with HIV.