GSK appoints James Murdoch to board

London: British drugs giant GlaxoSmithKline said on Monday that it has appointed James Murdoch, News Corp Europe and Asia's chairman and chief executive, as a non-executive director.

"GlaxoSmithKline announces that James Murdoch has been appointed as a non-executive director and will join the board of the company with effect from 20th May 2009," the group said in a statement. "On appointment, James will also become a member of GSK's Corporate Responsibility Committee."

James Murdoch, 36, son of media mogul Rupert Murdoch, is also chairman of British satellite broadcaster BSkyB. "I am delighted to welcome James to the board of GSK," chairman Sir Christopher Gent said. "His experience of global business, marketing and communications will bring a unique and alternative perspective to the board."

GSK is meanwhile planning to announce that it will cut up to 10,000 jobs when it posts full-year results on Thursday, according to recent media reports.