Hal Barron appointed GSK's Chief Scientific Officer and R&D President

GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK) has announced the appointment of Dr Hal Barron to the positions of Chief Scientific Officer and President, Research & Development. Dr Barron will also join the GSK Board as an Executive Director, effective January 1, 2018.

Dr Barron joins GSK from Calico, an Alphabet-funded company focused on lifespan biology research, where he served as President of R&D. Prior to Calico, he held senior R&D and Chief Medical Officer roles at Roche and Genentech. During his tenure at these companies, he oversaw the development of numerous medicines, including treatments for cancer, asthma, and autoimmune diseases.

GSK CEO Emma Walmsley stated that Dr Barron's appointment brings "one of the world's foremost R&D leaders" to the company. She highlighted his extensive experience and track record in developing new medicines, as well as his commitment to patients and team building. Walmsley believes Dr Barron will drive necessary changes for GSK to succeed in the evolving pharmaceutical R&D landscape.

Dr Barron expressed his honor in taking on the role and his eagerness to accelerate the discovery and development of new medicines at GSK. He will be based in the US but operate from offices in both San Francisco and Stevenage, UK. The San Francisco office will focus on business development for R&D.

The appointment comes as GSK strengthens its commitment to research and development, with former R&D President Patrick Vallance departing to become the UK's Chief Scientific Adviser.