GSK plc Appoints Genetics Expert to Board
Pharmaceutical company GSK plc is strengthening its Board of Directors by appointing Professor Harry C. Dietz, an expert in genetics, as a Non-Executive Director effective January 1, 2022.
GSK plc announced on October 27, 2021, that Dr. Harry (Hal) C. Dietz, Professor of Genetic Medicine at Johns Hopkins University, will join the company's Board of Directors as a Non-Executive Director starting January 1, 2022. This appointment is intended to enhance the Board's scientific capabilities, particularly in genetics, a field central to GSK's research and development strategy.
The addition of Dietz comes as GSK prepares for the demerger of its consumer healthcare business in mid-2022. He will join other designated Scientific and Medical Experts on the Board, including Dr. Jesse Goodman, former Chief Scientist at the U.S. FDA, and Dr. Laurie Glimcher, President and CEO of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The move reflects GSK's commitment to bolstering scientific and biopharmaceutical expertise within its leadership.
Dr. Dietz brings extensive experience in human genetics, having previously served as President of the American Society of Human Genetics. He is recognized as a leading authority on Marfan Syndrome and has contributed to the development of novel therapies through his involvement with Blade Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company. His academic career includes authoring 282 original publications in peer-reviewed journals.
GSK Chairman Sir Jonathan Symonds stated that Dietz's expertise in genetics will provide valuable insight and challenge as GSK advances its development of next-generation medicines and vaccines. Dr. Dietz will become a member of the Board's Science Committee, overseeing R&D strategy and performance targets.