GlaxoSmithKline International has appointed S Kalyanasundaram as Managing Director, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Limited, India. He will assume charge of the office with effect from 1st January 2003. Currently, he is Director, Pharmaceuticals.

Known in the industry circles as Kal, Kalyanasundaram joined Wellcome as a Commercial Advisor in New Zealand in 1988 and took over as Commercial Director in 1992. Soon after the integration of Glaxo and Wellcome, he was appointed Managing Director of Glaxo Wellcome Singapore Pvt. Ltd. At the time of the international merger of Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham in the year 2000, Kalyanasundaram was appointed as Director, Pharmaceuticals, of the Indian operations. Kalyanasundaram is a science graduate from Madurai University and a qualified Chartered Accountant.

Commenting on his new assignment, Kalyanasundaram, Managing Director designate, said, "While I am excited with the new role, I am fully aware of the onerous task of keeping up the momentum of transformation initiated under the able leadership of Thyagi." He further added, "We have an excellent and highly competent management team in India. It will be our endeavour to continue to retain our market leadership while keeping the thrust on bottomline. Thyagi, in his new role as Area Director for Asia Pacific, will still have regional responsibility for India and I look forward to his continued support and contribution to the progress of the Company."

Commenting on Kalyanasundaram's appointed, V Thyagarajan, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of GSK India said, "I wish Kal and his team in India well. I am sure, Kal's commercial acumen and his ability to motivate his team members will help GSK India scale greater heights in the coming years."