Goldman Sachs M&A chief to join GSK as CFO

Simon Dingemans

Simon Dingemans is set to take over from Julian Heslop as GlaxoSmithKline chief financial officer.

He will join on 4 January as CFO designate and executive director, with Heslop stepping down at the end of March.

Dingemans is currently at Goldman Sachs where he is currently managing director and partner.

He has more than 25 years of investment banking experience, recently leading Sachs' European M&A business and before that as head of UK investment banking.

He has offered advice to a number of sectors, including pharmaceuticals and consumer healthcare, including advice to GSK.

"Our objective is to deliver long-term value to shareholders and, in a period of significant change for our sector, Simon’s appointment as CFO reflects the need for GSK to operate with both creativity and continued financial discipline, " said GSK chief executive officer Andrew Witty.

"In joining our executive team, Simon will bring valuable experience and capability to support us in our strategy to grow and diversify GSK’s business through organic means and bolt-on acquisitions.

"I would like to pay tribute to Julian, who has served GSK with distinction as CFO for the last five years. His integrity, diligence and outstanding technical ability have ensured that GSK has remained financially strong during a period of significant economic turmoil. His support to me, as CEO, has been tremendously valuable and I wish him well in his future endeavours."