Dr George Poste, chief science and technology officer at Smithkline Beecham Plc, is to retire on December 31, the company said on October 28. No successor is to be appointed to the post.
Dr Poste joined Smith Kline & French Laboratories in 1980 and worked in various senior research and development positions before being appointed to the board in 1992. He was made chief science and technology officer in 1997.
A spokesman for SB told The Journal that Dr Poste's retirement had been "long planned". Dr Poste intended to spend more time with his family in the United States and would be working on international health policy issues.
Dr Poste's departure has increased speculation that SB's chief executive, Mr Jan Leschly, will also announce his retirement shortly and that power within the company will pass to Dr Jean-Pierre Garnier, currently chief operating officer.

George Poste: long planned retirement