Adaptive Leadership: Thriving in Change- Emma Walmsley at GlaxoSmithKline

The leadership of Emma Walmsley at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), now a rebranded entity focused on
biopharma called GSK plc. As CEO in 2017, Walmsley embarked on a transformative journey for one
of the world's oldest and largest pharmaceutical companies, demonstrating how adaptive leadership can
navigate and thrive amidst significant industry and organizational changes.

Strategic Reorientation: Walmsley's tenure at GSK is marked by a decisive shift towards innovation
and R&D in pharmaceuticals and vaccines, moving away from consumer healthcare. This strategic pivot
culminated in the 2022 separation of GSK's consumer healthcare business into a new standalone
company, Haleon. This move allowed GSK to sharpen its focus on biopharmaceuticals, responding to
the evolving landscape of healthcare needs and opportunities for growth in the sector.

Cultural Transformation: Understanding that a change in strategy necessitates a culture change,

Walmsley initiated a comprehensive cultural overhaul at GSK. She emphasized performance,
accountability, and a renewed commitment to R&D. By advocating for a 'growth mindset' and greater
agility within the organization, Walmsley aimed to foster an environment where innovation could thrive,
aligning its operations with its ambitious vision.

Investment in Innovation: Under Walmsley's leadership, GSK has significantly increased its
investment in research and development, particularly in areas with high unmet medical needs such as
oncology, immunology, and genetics. Walmsley has also overseen strategic partnerships and
acquisitions to bolster GSK's pipeline and capabilities in these areas, including acquiring Tesaro, an
oncology-focused company, and collaborating with 23andMe, leveraging genetic insights for drug
development.
Diversity and Inclusion: Walmsley has strongly advocated diversity and inclusion within GSK and the
broader pharmaceutical industry. As the first female CEO of GSK and one of the few women leading a
major pharmaceutical company, she has used her platform to champion gender diversity and broader
inclusion initiatives within GSK, recognizing the value of diverse perspectives in driving innovation
and business success.

Navigating Challenges: Walmsley's tenure has not been without challenges, including navigating the
complex and competitive landscape of the pharmaceutical industry, driving the successful separation of
the consumer healthcare business, and leading the company through the unprecedented times of the
COVID-19 pandemic. Her adaptive leadership style—characterized by strategic foresight, a willingness
to make bold decisions, and an emphasis on cultural transformation—has been crucial in steering GSK
through these challenges.

Emma Walmsley’s leadership at GSK exemplifies "Adaptive Leadership: Thriving in Change" by

demonstrating how strategic reorientation, cultural transformation, and a commitment to innovation and
diversity can prepare and propel a traditional pharmaceutical giant into a new era of growth and
relevance. Her ability to anticipate and act upon industry trends while fostering a culture that embraces
change is a contemporary benchmark for leaders across all sectors.