Who Is GSK plc?
GSK plc is one of the UK’s most prominent global biopharmaceutical companies, with a mission to “unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together.” Headquartered in London, GSK is known for its long-standing commitment to innovation, public health, and responsible business practices.
The company was officially formed in 1999 through the merger of Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham, but its roots stretch back to a 1715 pharmacy in London.
Today, GSK is a science-led organisation focused on the discovery, development and delivery of specialty medicines and vaccines across a broad range of diseases and patient populations.
With more than 70,000 employees worldwide and products available in over 100 countries, GSK’s impact on global health is substantial. It aims to improve the lives of 2.5 billion people by 2030 through continuous investment in cutting-edge research, clinical trials, and responsible access models.
Who Leads GSK plc and How Is the Company Organised?
The leadership of GSK plc is comprised of globally respected executives, physicians, and academic professionals who drive the company’s innovation and operational excellence. Their diverse expertise ensures that GSK remains competitive, responsible, and responsive to public health needs.
The Board of Directors reflects a blend of industry veterans and medical thought leaders, combining experience in finance, R&D, governance, digital transformation, and clinical science.
Key Leadership Members
| Name | Role | Background |
| Emma Walmsley | Director, CEO (stepping down 2025) | First female CEO in FTSE 100 pharma, led major strategic shifts |
| Jonathan Symonds | Chairman | Former CFO of Novartis, finance and governance expert |
| Julie Brown | Chief Financial Officer | Senior leader with experience at Burberry and AstraZeneca |
| Victoria Whyte | Company Secretary | Legal and governance specialist since 2004 |
| Dr. Hal Barron | Director | Physician-scientist, led GSK’s R&D transformation |
| Wendy Becker | Non-Executive Director | Business leader with experience in consumer and tech sectors |
| Dr. Anne Beal | Director | Physician focused on patient-centred healthcare systems |
| Dr. Vishal Sikka | Director | AI expert and former CEO of Infosys |
| Gavin Screaton | Director | Professor of Medicine at University of Oxford |
This leadership group is supported by a wider executive team and thousands of scientists, technologists, and medical professionals committed to one mission: getting ahead of disease.
With global expertise and visionary leadership, GSK’s executive team drives scientific progress and global health outcomes from the top down.
What Is the Legal and Financial Status of GSK plc?
GSK plc operates as a Public Limited Company (PLC) and is incorporated in England and Wales, demonstrating full regulatory compliance and high standards of transparency. The company’s legal structure and financial performance are well-documented and rigorously reported.
Corporate Overview
| Element | Detail |
| Company Name | GSK plc |
| Company Type | Public Limited Company |
| Company Number | 03888792 |
| Incorporation Date | 6 December 1999 |
| Registered Office | 79 New Oxford Street, London, WC1A 1DG |
| Status | Active |
| SIC Code | 70100 – Activities of head offices |
| Stock Listings | London Stock Exchange (LSE), New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) |
| Last Accounts Made Up To | 31 December 2024 |
| Next Accounts Due | 30 June 2026 |
| Previous Names | GlaxoSmithKline plc, Glaxo SmithKline plc, Trushelfco (No.2577) Ltd |
As a member of the FTSE 100, GSK is one of the most significant contributors to the UK economy and is widely held by institutional and private investors.
GSK’s legal and financial standing exemplifies corporate responsibility, transparency, and long-term stability.
What Services and Innovations Does GSK Offer?
GSK provides a wide range of specialty medicines, general medicines, and vaccines across high-impact therapeutic areas. The company’s primary strength lies in its ability to translate deep scientific research into practical, scalable treatments that benefit patients globally.
Core Therapeutic Focus
GSK has aligned its R&D and commercial operations around four priority areas:
- Respiratory, Immunology & Inflammation
- Oncology
- HIV
- Infectious Diseases
The company combines traditional drug development with AI, human genetics, and functional genomics to identify disease pathways earlier and improve treatment accuracy.
A prime example includes digital biological twins, simulated models of human disease to optimise therapy development.
Products and Technologies
- Vaccines for shingles, flu, meningitis, and COVID-19
- Long-acting injectable therapies for HIV
- Monoclonal antibodies for asthma and autoimmune disorders
- Oncology pipeline including next-generation immunotherapies
GSK also invests significantly in pandemic preparedness, collaborating with governments and organisations worldwide to develop rapid-response vaccines.
By fusing advanced science with access-focused strategies, GSK delivers impactful healthcare that changes lives globally.
What Is GSK’s Approach to Access, Inclusion, and Sustainability?
As a global health leader, GSK balances innovation with responsibility. Its strategy integrates access to medicines, equity in research, and environmental sustainability across all levels of the organisation.
Global Access Strategy
GSK works with public and private partners to make essential medicines and vaccines accessible and affordable. Through tiered pricing and global donations, the company supports underserved populations in more than 80 countries.
- Collaboration with GAVI and WHO on vaccine rollout
- Expansion of voluntary licensing to generics in low-income regions
- Responsible product governance and supply chain quality
Ethical Standards and Inclusion
- Transparent clinical trial registry for public access to data
- Inclusive trial design to reflect real-world patient populations
- High employee engagement in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programmes
Environmental Sustainability
| Goal | Commitment |
| Net Zero (Scope 1 & 2) | By 2030 |
| Nature Positive | By 2045 |
| Green Manufacturing | Reduce waste, emissions, and water use |
GSK’s ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) strategy is embedded into its purpose and daily decision-making.
GSK’s commitment to equity, ethics and the environment supports sustainable progress that benefits patients, communities and the planet.
How Can You Contact GSK plc?
GSK maintains transparent communication channels for stakeholders, including investors, healthcare professionals, job seekers, and the public.
Official Contact Details:
| Method | Information |
| Head Office | GSK plc, 79 New Oxford Street, London, WC1A 1DG |
| Telephone | +44 20 8047 5000 |
| Website | www.gsk.com |
| Companies House | GSK Registry Info |
GSK also offers contact forms and investor portals on its website, allowing stakeholders to access reports, clinical trial data, and media resources.
With multiple access points and a global footprint, GSK ensures responsive communication at every level.
What Is the Public and Employee Sentiment Around GSK?
GSK enjoys a strong reputation in the medical and investment communities, although some patient feedback reflects concerns over drug pricing and access.
Customer & Patient Experience
- Trustpilot: Limited and mixed feedback, mostly around cost barriers
- Innovation Acknowledged: GSK was among the first to publish all clinical trial results publicly
Employee Reviews
- Glassdoor: 75% of employees recommend GSK
- Strengths: Positive culture, inclusion, and work-life balance
- Opportunities: Ongoing investment in digital and R&D career pathways
GSK is also regularly ranked as a top UK graduate employer in the pharmaceutical and life sciences sector.
With strong internal culture and an evolving public perception, GSK continues to strengthen its credibility and employee engagement.
What Is the Latest News About GSK plc?
As of September 2025, GSK is undergoing significant executive transition and strategic recalibration.
Leadership News
- Emma Walmsley, CEO since 2017, has officially stepped down
- Her tenure saw the successful spin-off of consumer healthcare arm Haleon
- The company is expected to announce a new CEO focused on digital transformation and personalised medicine
Market Performance
- Share Price (LSE): 1,529.50 GBp
- NYSE (ADR): $41.10 USD
- Q2 2025 Financials: Reported strong vaccine growth and new oncology pipeline acceleration
GSK’s future direction will likely deepen its investment in AI, genetic therapies, and preventative health as it enters a new chapter of leadership.
Why Choose GSK plc?
GSK stands at the forefront of global biopharmaceutical innovation, combining British heritage with world-leading science.
Its long-term strategy is built on breakthrough therapies, equitable access, responsible business, and a culture where people can thrive.
With a century-spanning history and a forward-thinking outlook, GSK is a trusted partner in tackling the world’s most complex health challenges, today and for generations to come. GSK plc is more than a business; it’s a movement towards a healthier, more inclusive world.
