GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK) has announced the appointment of six directors to the designate Board of Haleon, the new independent company to be formed following the demerger of the GSK Consumer Healthcare business, expected in July 2022.
Haleon will be a new global-leading company in Consumer Health, and is strongly positioned to deliver better everyday health, sustainable above-market growth and attractive returns to shareholders.
The new Board appointments follow the appointment of Sir Dave Lewis as Chair Designate in December 2021 and represent further progress to create a new, qualified Board for Haleon with the appropriate mix of skills, experience, diversity, and continuity. The appointments include the transition of two GSK Non-Executive Directors and three new external appointees. In addition, it is also confirmed that Tobias Hestler, CFO Designate, Haleon, will join Brian McNamara, CEO Designate, Haleon, on the Board as an Executive Director.
Appointments to Designate Haleon Board:
- Manvinder Singh (Vindi) Banga will become Senior Independent Non-Executive Director. Vindi is currently Senior Independent Non-Executive Director of GSK.
- Tracy Clarke will become an independent Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Remuneration Committee
- Dame Vivienne Cox will become an independent Non-Executive Director. Vivienne is currently an independent Non-Executive Director at GSK.
- Deirdre Mahlan will become an independent Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee.
- John Young has been nominated as a Non-Executive Director by Pfizer as one of its two appointees under our joint venture arrangements. John is currently a director of the GSK/Pfizer Consumer Healthcare Joint Venture company.
- Tobias Hestler, CFO Designate, Haleon, will become an Executive Director.
Sir Dave Lewis, Chair Designate, Haleon, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Vindi, Tracy, Vivienne, Deirdre and John as Non-Executive Directors to the future Board of Haleon. Together they bring considerable Board experience to support Haleon as a publicly listed company. They will also add in-depth understanding of the global consumer sector, with particular experience operating in the US, China, India and Europe. This is a significant step forward in creating the Haleon Board. We will look to add three more directors in due course. Two will be non-executives with relevant innovation and Asia experience and the third will be an additional non-executive nominated by Pfizer. It is an exciting time for everyone at Haleon and I look forward to working with new board colleagues to support Brian and his team to unleash the potential of this unique business.”
As previously stated, and building on recent non-executive appointments, further appointments to the GSK Board are also expected prior to the demerger. These appointments will reflect the appropriate skills and experience required for GSK’s new status as a focused biopharmaceutical company.
The separation of GSK Consumer Healthcare, to form Haleon, is subject to approval from shareholders and will be by way of a demerger of at least 80% of GSK’s 68% holding in the Consumer Healthcare business to GSK shareholders (the Consumer Healthcare business is a Joint Venture between GSK and Pfizer, with GSK holding a majority controlling interest if 68% and Pfizer holding 32%). Haleon shares are expected to attain a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange with ADRs listed in the US.
Source: GlaxoSmithKline plc
