GSK appoints new CMO

GSK has appointed the experienced James Shannon as its new Chief Medical Officer (CMO).

Mr Shannon will succeed Ellen Strahlman in the role and have responsibility for patient safety, medical governance, ethics and integrity and medical information.

The new CMO said joining the company was an easy decision as GKS’ “values so closely match my own”.

He spent nearly 14 years at Novartis as their head of global pharmaceutical development until 2008. Since then, Mr Shannon has served on the boards of several companies and as the president and CEO of San Francisco-based biopharmaceutical company Cerimon.

“I am delighted to welcome James to GSK,” said Moncef Slaoui, GSK R&D Chairman. “Our chief medical officer is vital to the success of this organisation. As the ‘voice of the patient’ within GSK, James will ensure the interests of the patient are placed at the centre of research, development and commercialisation of our medicines.

“James’ medical leadership, combined with his extensive experience of successful drug development, makes him a valuable addition to GSK.”