GSK appoints Hans Wijers to its Board as a Non-Executive Director

GlaxoSmithKline plc (LSE: GSK) today announced the appointment of Hans Wijers to its Board as a Non-Executive Director, effective 1st April 2013. The appointment is subject to shareholder approval at the Company’s 2013 Annual General Meeting.

Mr Wijers is currently a Non-Executive Director and Chairman designate of Heineken N.V., one of the world’s largest brewers. He is also currently Deputy Chairman and Non Executive Director of Royal Dutch Shell.

Previously, Mr Wijers was Chief Executive Officer and Chairman at AkzoNobel, a world-leading paints and coating company and a major producer of speciality chemicals, a position he held for 10 years. Prior to joining Akzo Nobel, Mr Wijers held positions as Minister for Economic Affairs for the Government of the Netherlands as well as in the private sector with the Boston Consulting Group.

Commenting on the appointment, Sir Christopher Gent, Chairman of GSK, said:

“I am delighted to welcome Hans to the Board. His broad business experience, including as chief executive of AkzoNobel, together with his economic and political knowledge will enable him to make a significant contribution to the future success of GSK.”