UK pharmaceuticals company GSK has announced a change in leadership, with Emma Walmsley stepping down as CEO after nine years. She will be succeeded by Luke Miels, the current chief commercial officer, who has been designated as “CEO Designate” and will officially take on the role on January 1, 2026. This move has caught the financial community by surprise, as GSK states that Miels’s appointment reflects effective long-term succession planning by the Board and Walmsley, involving consideration of various internal and external candidates.
Walmsley’s tenure included a major reorganization of GSK, which involved spinning off its consumer health division into a new company named Haleon. Throughout her leadership, GSK achieved multiple drug breakthroughs, including advancements in vaccines and the integration of AI into its strategy. However, she also faced challenges, such as litigation regarding the heartburn drug Zantac and activist investor pressures.
The announcement has led to a positive immediate market reaction, with GSK’s shares rising by 3.5% at the beginning of trading. Analysts suggest that while the change in leadership may signal potential growth for GSK, the company has experienced relatively modest share price performance under Walmsley, having declined approximately 10% since she took over.
In concluding her term, Walmsley expressed satisfaction over her contributions and remarked that she is leaving the company in a robust position. GSK is now focused on a series of upcoming regulatory approvals and aims to navigate its path forward under Miels’s leadership.
Meanwhile, competitor AstraZeneca has announced plans for a direct listing on the New York Stock Exchange, aiming for increased capital access while maintaining its status as a UK company. This strategic move highlights the ongoing evolution within the pharmaceutical sector and its response to market demands.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2025/sep/29/moral-hazard-fears-jlr-jaguar-land-rover-government-loan-gsk-ceo-astrazeneca-listing-dollar-shutdown-business-live-news