GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) announced that Deirdre Connelly will join the company as president, North American Pharmaceuticals, effective Monday February 9, 2009. She will report to Andrew Witty, chief executive officer and become a member of GSK's corporate executive team.

Andrew Witty, chief executive officer, said, "GSK's US pharmaceuticals business is a critical component of our strategy and future performance. It is also operating in a highly competitive and rapidly changing environment. As an accomplished senior leader within our industry, Deidre is somebody who truly understands the needs of patients and our customers and can drive the efforts we are making to reshape this business and improve future growth. I look forward to welcoming her to GSK and the corporate executive team."

Deirdre was appointed president of US operations at Eli Lilly and Company in 2005.

She joined Lilly in 1983 as a sales representative and has held sales and marketing roles of increasing responsibility. In 2003, she became executive director of human resources for Eli Lilly's US affiliate.