What to make of Sir Andrew Witty? The answer 18 months ago would have been straightforward.
The Glaxo Smith Kline boss had barely survived a bribery scandal in China and had presided over a malaise at Britain’s biggest drug developer. Glaxo’s share price was in the doldrums, as was the chief executive’s reputation. Some even whispered the treasured dividend was under threat.
How times change. Witty will unveil Glaxo’s results on Wednesday, his last official act before retiring after nine years in charge. He leaves the company he joined in 1985 in good health.
The share price recovered from a nadir of £12.80 in late 2015 to close on Friday at £15.47 — nearly 40% higher than when he took the top job. Sales are