GlaxoSmithKline plc announces board changes

GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK), UK, announced the appointment of James Murdoch as a non-executive director. He will join the board of the company with effect from 20 May 2009.

On appointment, James will also become a member of GSK's Corporate Responsibility Committee. James is chairman and chief executive of News Corporation Europe and Asia.

Sir Ian Prosser and Dr Ronaldo Schmitz will retire from the board at the conclusion of the annual general meeting on 20 May 2009.

Commenting on the changes, Sir Christopher Gent, chairman of GSK, said: ''I am delighted to welcome James to the board of GSK. His experience of global business, marketing and communications will bring a unique and alternative perspective to the Board. He will also be an excellent addition to the Board's Corporate Responsibility Committee, an area where he has shown particular leadership at BSkyB and News Corporation.

"I would like to thank both Sir Ian and Ronaldo for their dedicated service to the Boards of GSK and the heritage companies. I have always valued their support and wish them well for the future."

Sir Robert Wilson will succeed Sir Ian as GSK's senior independent non-executive director. Sir Robert will step down as chairman of the Remuneration Committee and will be succeeded by Sir Crispin Davis. Professor Roy Anderson will also join the audit committee with effect from 20 May 2009.

James Murdoch was appointed chairman and chief executive, News Corp, Europe and Asia, in 2007. In this role, he has direct responsibility for the strategic and operational development of News Corporation's television, newspaper and related digital assets in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. At the same time, James was appointed non-executive chairman of BSkyB and re-joined the board of News Corporation. James served as chief executive of BSkyB from 2003 to 2007 and was previously chairman and CEO of Star TV.

James serves on the board of Yankee Global Enterprises, the board of trustees of the Harvard Lampoon and the Leadership Council of The Climate Group.