GSK Consumer Healthcare Zubair Ahmed appointed head of Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa region

NEW DELHI: GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare (GSKCH) India MD Zubair Ahmed has been named designated head of Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa for the proposed joint venture between GSK Consumer Healthcare and pharmaceutical firm Novartis' OTC business.

As part of the new role, Ahmed will oversee operations of over 100 countries, joining the growing league of Indians taking on top roles globally.

This role expansion has been announced as a part of the integration planning process for the proposed joint venture with Novartis. Ahmed will take over this role following closure of the deal which is expected in the first half of 2015.

Ahmed joined GSK Consumer in 2007 and over the last seven years, GSK's revenues have more than tripled revenues.

In this new capacity, his responsibility, in addition to the Indian sub continent business, will include Asia Pacific (including China, Japan, Australia and New Zealand) and the Middle East (including Turkey, Iran and Pakistan).