The Board of GlaxoSmithKline plc announced the appointment of Andrew Witty as CEO Designate, GlaxoSmithKline.

Andrew Witty, currently president, Pharmaceuticals Europe for GlaxoSmithKline, will succeed Dr Jean-Pierre Garnier following his retirement as chief executive officer at the end of May 2008, said a company press release.

"Andrew's appointment follows a rigorous selection process by the Board of Directors. The fact that we have been able to select a successor to JP from three strong internal candidates is a testament to the quality of management at GSK. The Board is confident that Andrew will build on JP's considerable achievements which have positioned GSK as a leader of the pharmaceutical industry," said, Sir Christopher Gent, chairman, GlaxoSmithKline.

"Andrew has made many significant contributions to GSK and I am very pleased that he is to be our next CEO. I look forward to working with him during our handover and wish him every success," said, JP Garnier.