GlaxoSmithKline PLC appointed Luke Miels president of global pharmaceuticals.

Miels, whose start date was not given, is currently AstraZeneca PLC's executive vice president for Europe. Miels will report to GSK CEO Designate Emma Walmsley, who will become permanent CEO in April.

Miels replaces Abbas Hussain, who will leave GlaxoSmithKline later in 2017. Hussain, who joined GSK in 2008, is also a director at HIV-focused ViiV Healthcare.

Before joining AstraZeneca, Miels served Roche as regional vice president Asia-Pacific for the pharmaceuticals division.