GlaxoSmithKline chief executive Andrew Witty has been appointed at as the lead non-executive board member at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
Witty takes up his position on the new departmental board from January 1 and will be tasked with helping to create policy by utilizing his professional experience.
“I am delighted to have been asked to take on this role,” said Witty. “I look forward to working with BIS and the Secretary of State to build on the UK economy’s many strengths to deliver long term sustainable economic growth.”
Business Secretary Vince Cable adds: “I’ve always said that I want Britain to be open for business and for BIS to be the Department for growth. Andrew’s wealth of experience in business will be invaluable to making sure that that’s exactly what happens.
“Andrew’s perspective on what works for businesses and the implications that policies will have on them will be a useful litmus test for our policy makers to see what will happen on the ground before we take a specific course of action.“
