Smithkline Beecham Plc announced on December 2 that Mr Jan Leschly, its chief executive, is to retire from the company after its annual general meeting on April 28, 2000. As expected, he is to be succeeded by Mr Jean-Pierre (JP) Garnier, currently chief operating officer.
Mr Leschly was appointed chief executive of Smithkline Beecham in 1994. He joined the company in 1990 as chairman of its world-wide pharmaceuticals business. Mr Garnier also joined the company in 1990, as president, North American pharmaceuticals, and succeeded Mr Leschly as chairman of the pharmaceuticals division in 1994. He was appointed chief operating officer in 1995. Mr Leschly described Mr Garnier as "one of the most talented and accomplished executives in the pharmaceutical and consumer health care business".
Under the direction of Mr Leschly and Mr Garnier, Smithkline Beecham has prospered with sales increasing from £5.63bn in 1993 to £8.08bn in 1998. Its share price has also risen from £1.84 on April 28, 1994, to £8.835 on December 2, 1999.
The long-awaited announcement has renewed speculation about a merger taking place between Smithkline Beecham and Glaxo Wellcome Plc. Previous merger talks were reported to have foundered on disagreements between Mr Leschly and Sir Richard Sykes, chairman of Glaxo Wellcome.

New CEO: JP Garnier