GSK chairman to step down ahead of planned split

Sir Philip Hampton pictured above), who since 2015 has been the non-executive chairman of GlaxoSmithKline (LSE: GSK), will step down from the role with the UK drugmaker.

His decision follows the announcement that GSK and US pharma giant Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) are to combine their consumer health businesses, with the London-based firm splitting to become two companies focused on pharmaceuticals and consumer healthcare.

Sir Philip said: “It is a privilege to serve as chairman of GSK. It is one of the UK’s great companies and under Emma Walmsley’s leadership, GSK has made very good progress with a new strategy and new approach to R&D.