GSK Appoints Luke Miels as CEO Designate

GSK (LON: GSK) has announced the appointment of Luke Miels as CEO Designate. The company revealed in an announcement on Monday that Miels will fully assume the role of CEO on January 1, 2026, succeeding Dame Emma Walmsley.

The markets reacted positively to the announcement, sending shares more than 3% higher at the open, currently trading around the 1,538p mark.

Miels, currently Chief Commercial Officer, has been instrumental in building GSK's specialty medicines portfolio, particularly in oncology and respiratory. His extensive experience at AstraZeneca, Roche, and Sanofi-Aventis is expected to drive further growth and innovation.

GSK is targeting total sales exceeding £40 billion by 2031. Miels' leadership is seen as crucial to achieving these ambitious outlooks.

The company's focus on specialty medicines and vaccines, coupled with a reinvigorated R&D pipeline boasting 15 major opportunities launching between 2025 and 2031, is expected to position GSK for sustained growth.

Walmsley’s tenure saw a comprehensive transformation of GSK. She prioritized specialty medicines and vaccines, delivered major new products, and strengthened the balance sheet.

Sir Jonathan Symonds CBE, Chair of GSK, acknowledged Walmsley's outstanding leadership. He stated that GSK is now a “very different” and more competitive company. He expressed confidence in Miels' ability to surpass GSK's ambitions and generate value for patients and shareholders.

Luke Miels' remuneration includes a base salary of £1,375,000. The on-target bonus is set at 150%, with a maximum of 300%. Long-Term Incentives (LTIs) for 2026 will be 7.25x salary, potentially increasing to 8x in 2027, aligning with shareholder-approved remuneration policy.

Walmsley stated, “2026 is a pivotal year for GSK to define its path for the decade ahead, and I believe the right moment for new leadership.” She added that she is proud to have left the company “stronger than I found it” and is confident in Miels' ability to lead GSK to “even greater impact for patients.”