Christopher A. Viehbacher has served as president,
U.S. Pharmaceuticals, GlaxoSmithKline since January 2003. Previously he had
been president, Pharmaceuticals Europe, since January 2001.
Viehbacher joined the company when it was Wellcome GmbH, Germany in 1988 as chief financial accountant and was promoted to finance director in 1989. From 1993 to 1995, he served as president and chief executive officer of Burroughs Wellcome Inc., Canada. He joined Glaxo Wellcome France in 1995 as vice president, Strategy and Integration, following a period based in London as a member of the coordination team during the Glaxo Wellcome integration. In 1996, he became general manager of Glaxo Wellcome France and the following year was promoted to chairman and managing director.
In 2002, Viehbacher served as 1 of 2 industry representatives on the G10 High Level Working Group sponsored by the European Commission to restore the competitiveness of the EU Pharmaceutical Industry.
In 2003, the French Republic recognized Viehbacher with its prestigious Légion d'Honneur award for his contributions to business and healthcare.
Viehbacher resides in Raleigh, North Carolina, with his wife, Alison, and their three children. He is a board member of the CEO Roundtable on Cancer, North Carolina Citizens for Business & Industry, CEO Advisory Council, North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation, Triangle United Way and the Cardinal Club.
He holds dual German and Canadian citizenship.