GSK Appoints Luke Miels as New CEO, Succeeding Emma Walmsley on Jan. 1, 2026

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/