GSK looks to set up new global HQ for Asia in Singapore

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is strengthening its presence in the region by establishing a new global headquarter for Asia in Singapore. The new global headquarter for Asia will support local GSK businesses across the region by providing the relevant leadership, expertise, capability and services to consumers.“The new global headquarters for Asia will have a full range of corporate capabilities allowing key decisions for Asia to be taken within the region by people who have extensive experience of working in this continent,” said the company in a press statement. The company added that the new global headquarters for Asia will also help it to “attract and develop the best people to drive innovation and access across the region.”The move comes as the Consumer Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals and Vaccines markets are forecasted to grow significantly faster in countries covered by the global headquarters for Asia than in the rest of the world.In an earlier interview with Marketing, Helen Forsyth, marketing director, GSK Consumer Healthcare, Asia said that the company recently moved its global pain management team and nutrition category teams in its Singapore office. Also, to show its dedication to the market, GSK’s core marketing team for Southeast Asia and the region, “Team Asia” is based in Malaysia.Andrew Witty, CEO, GSK, said: “ In our experience and my own personal experience, Singapore excels in fostering talent, supporting business growth and offers an excellent base to access Asia.  This is why we are making a significant decision to further increase our presence in Singapore as we continue to modernise and advance GSK.”Beh Swan Gin, chairman of the Singapore Economic Development Board, said: "Singapore is heartened that GSK chose Singapore as the home for its global headquarters for Asia and has decided to establish a new headquarters building here. Its decision is testimony to our value proposition as a trusted biomedical sciences hub, where companies can access global talent and build strategic capabilities to spearhead their growth in the region.”Currently, the key leadership and Asia expertise is already transitioning into the region with almost 150 global and regional roles moving to Singapore in the last year.  GSK has had a presence in the region for over 40 years.