After a weekend of victories for supposed underdogs, GlaxoSmithKline provided one in the corporate world today by announcing Andrew Witty as the man to take over from Jean-Pierre Garnier.

The 43-year-old was seen as a distant third in a three-horse race alongside Chris Viebacher and David Stout, both of whom carry far more clout in the US.

Mr Witty is the youngest of the three and is little known on the other side of the Atlantic.

Mr Stout was seen as a heavy-hitter and Mr Viebacher as little short of a hero for the work he carried out during the recent Avandia crisis.

However, industry figures who know Mr Witty continually refer to his presence, leadership and charisma as well as his ability to grow sales in an increasingly tough market.

He has also adopted a novel and far more conciliatory approach with governments across Europe and worked with them on the pricing and licensing of new drugs, rather than arguing over the detail.

It is this ability that will be crucial as the big pharmaceutical companies look to boost their presence in emerging markets such as Africa and Asia-Pacific, two regions where Mr Witty has vast experience.

Glaxo has made a tough decision, and one that could see Mr Viebacher and Mr Stout leave the business, but by taking a bolder move now it is laying a foundation for the next decade.

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