GSK Names Luke Miels As CEO Designate
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has appointed Luke Miels as its next chief executive, effective January 1, 2026. He will also join the company’s board on that date.
Background And Role
Miels currently serves as GSK’s Chief Commercial Officer, overseeing global medicines and vaccine businesses. He joined the company in 2017 and previously held leadership roles at AstraZeneca, Roche, and Sanofi-Aventis. The board cited his strategic contributions, especially in building GSK’s specialty medicines portfolio, as key reasons for his selection.
Transition And Strategy
He will succeed Emma Walmsley, who will step down from the board on December 31, 2025, but remain with GSK through September 2026 to ensure a smooth handover. Under Walmsley’s leadership, GSK spun off its consumer health business into Haleon and refocused on pharmaceuticals and vaccines.
Ambitions And Challenges
Miels inherits a plan to reach £40 billion in annual sales by 2031, with 15 major pipeline launches expected between 2025 and 2031. The company also highlighted its strengthened balance sheet and renewed focus on innovation in setting the stage for this leadership change.
