GlaxoSmithKline’s Consumer Healthcare business has revealed that Filippo Lanzi is to take over as Regional Head of Asia Pacific, overseeing operations in 23 countries. He will also take on membership of GSK’s consumer healthcare strategic leadership team and Singapore country board.

He replaces Zubair Ahmed, who assumes the role of Non-Executive Chairman of India Board.

Lanzi boasts more than 20 years in the healthcare industry, originally joining GSK as part of a joint venture between the company’s Consumer Healthcare division and Novartis’ Over The Counter business and leading its integration across Europe.

“Filippo is an outstanding leader who brings a wealth of expertise to a dynamic and rapidly growing Asia Pacific Region at GSK Consumer Healthcare. He has a unique ability to translate strategy into world-class execution by bringing together teams and innovations that drive results,” remarked GSK Consumer Healthcare CEO Brian McNamara. “His people-focused leadership style and proven track record growing categories and transforming businesses are exactly what we need to win.”

Prior to his time with Novartis, Lanzi worked for five years at Johnson & Johnson, managing the company’s Italian diabetes division before assuming leadership of the Mediterranean cluster for its ethicon/endo franchise. Before this, he served for 10 years at Swiss food giant Nestle, holding positions of increasing responsibility in marketing, sales and finance.

On the news of his appointment, Lanzi commented: “I'm thrilled to be here in Asia Pacific. The region is sitting on a demographic sweet spot with a growing population that desires quality healthcare products. I am focused on accelerating the innovations that our consumers need from us, to do more and feel better. The opportunity that lies ahead for GSK is enormous, and the ability to lead a great team in this next chapter is deeply humbling and incredibly exhilarating.”