GlaxoSmithKline announces board appointment

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced an appointment to its board.

Joining the executive committee from May 20th, James Murdoch – son of media mogul Rupert Murdoch – will take on the role of non-executive director.

He is currently the chairman and chief executive of News Corporation in Europe and Asia.

As a result of the appointment, he will also become a member of the organisation’s corporate responsibility committee.

Sir Christopher Gent, chairman of GSK, said he was “delighted” to be welcoming Mr Murdoch to the board of the company.

He added: “His experience of global business, marketing and communications will bring a unique and alternative perspective to the board.

The company also noted Sir Ian Prosser and Dr Ronaldo Schmitz will retire from the board after the organisation’s annual general meeting on May 20th 2009.

In December last year, GSK said it was to stop all political contributions.