Issued: Thursday 19 January 2017, London UK - LSE Announcement

Abbas Hussain to leave GSK

GlaxoSmithKline plc (LSE/NYSE: GSK) today announced that Abbas Hussain, President, Global Pharmaceuticals has decided to leave the company. He has agreed with GSK that he will leave the company later this year.

Abbas joined GSK in 2008 and has held roles of increasing responsibility within the company's pharmaceutical business. He is a member of GSK's executive team and a board member of ViiV Healthcare.

Under his leadership, pharmaceutical and vaccine commercial performance in the US and European businesses has significantly improved, and the company has delivered a series of successful new product launches. At the last reported quarter, new pharmaceutical sales represented 25% of total pharmaceutical sales.

He has also built the world's leading emerging markets pharmaceuticals business by volume, and implemented a flexible approach to pricing across developing countries, helping GSK top the Access to Medicine Index each time since its 2008 launch.

Abbas successfully led the implementation of GSK's new commercial operating model across more than 100 countries, bringing increased transparency to GSK's interactions with healthcare professionals.

Sir Andrew Witty, CEO, GSK commented, "In his time at GSK Abbas has proven himself to be one of the most talented and authentic leaders in the healthcare industry. I am personally grateful for his tremendous energy and support as a member of our executive team. Succession processes are challenging for everyone involved and, unfortunately, it is rare that all of those involved stay with the company. I wish him well in his future and thank him for the significant contribution he has made to GSK and the lives of many patients around the world."

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Inside information

The information contained in this announcement is inside information. If you have any queries on this, then please contact Victoria Whyte GSK Company Secretary (responsible for arranging the release of this announcement) at GSK House Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 9GS on +44 208 047 5000.