GSK has announced that Luke Miels, currently Chief Commercial Officer, will become CEO on January 1, 2026, succeeding Dame Emma Walmsley who led the firm since 20171234.
Luke Miels played a key role in building GSK's specialty medicines portfolio, notably in oncology and respiratory, and brings experience from AstraZeneca, Roche, and Sanofi-Aventis13.
Miels joined GSK in 2017, managed the global medicines and vaccines portfolio (over £20 billion annual sales), and holds a biology degree and MBA from Australian universities3.
Walmsley's tenure saw GSK spin off its consumer health business (Haleon) and a strategic focus shift to specialty medicines and vaccines24.
GSK aims for total sales over £40 billion by 2031, relying on Miels' leadership and a robust R&D pipeline with 15 major opportunities expected between 2025 and 203113.
Shares of GSK rose over 3% following the announcement, signaling market approval of the leadership change1.
Miels' base salary starts at £1.38 million with an on-target bonus of 150% and long-term incentives set at 7.25x salary, aligning with shareholder policy13.
Walmsley stated 2026 is 'pivotal' for GSK's next decade and expressed confidence in Miels' leadership for future value creation14.
Sources:
1. https://www.asktraders.com/analysis/gsk-appoints-luke-miels-as-ceo-designate-a-new-era-begins/
2. https://www.statnews.com/2025/09/29/emma-walmsley-luke-miels-ceo-gsk/
3. https://kfgo.com/2025/09/29/factbox-who-is-gsks-next-ceo-luke-miels/
4. https://www.biopharmadive.com/news/emma-walmsley-retire-gsk-ceo-luke-miels/761344/