GSK Consumer's Zubair Ahmed to take up regional role next year

He has been appointed as head of Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa

Zubair Ahmed, senior vice-president, Indian sub-continent, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare (GSKCH) India, has been named the head of the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa for the proposed joint venture between GSK Consumer Healthcare and pharmaceutical firm Novartis' OTC business.

This role expansion has been announced as a part of the integration planning process for the proposed JV with Novartis, the company said in a statement today. Ahmed will take over this role following closure of the deal which is expected in the first half of 2015, the company added.

Commenting on this, Emma Walmsley, president, GSKCH, said “I am delighted to announce Zubair’s designate role in the proposed new structure. His business acumen, people management skills and sharp understanding of these markets will help us in our goal to accelerate growth across our emerging markets business.”

Ahmed joined GSKCH in 2007 and over the last seven years has been responsible for leading a team that has more than tripled revenues of the India business.

He joins a growing band of Indian-origin executives who are either heading companies or taking up plum assignments abroad. His new role will see him manage operations of over 100 countries, which is a significant step-up from the three markets of India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh that he handled as SVP, Indian Sub-Continent.