GSK to appoint new head for China operation

Pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) will appoint a new general manager to lead its Chinese operation, according to the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) late Thursday.

The ministry quoted a letter from GSK as saying that the UK-headquartered company promised to cooperate with the Chinese police's investigation into GSK China for alleged crimes committed by senior executives.

The company is currently restructuring its operations in China, and the new appointment will ensure that the firm can quickly and effectively respond to investigations, and continue its business in the country, the MPS said in a statement.

GSK China general manager Mark Reilly will return to China in near future to cooperate with Chinese investigators, according to the statement.

GSK has also sent senior audit officials as well as senior legal advisors to Shanghai to cooperate with investigations, according to the statement.

The ministry said that it welcomed GSK's cooperative attitude, and that Chinese authorities will help GSK audit officials carry out their work. The MPS said that it hoped GSK China will resume operations soon.