The pharmaceutical industry is undergoing a significant change in leadership, with GSK CEO Emma Walmsley stepping down in favor of Luke Miels. This move marks a pivotal moment for the company, as Walmsley was the first woman to lead a major pharmaceutical company when she took over GSK in 2017. Under her leadership, GSK saw significant transformations, including the spinoff of its consumer health business Haleon and a focus on specialty and innovative medicine R&D.
While Walmsley’s tenure had its successes, including the approval of the world’s first RSV vaccine and increased sales in oncology, she also faced criticism for her lack of experience in biopharma R&D and GSK’s stagnant share prices. Despite these challenges, the decision for new leadership comes at the right moment for the company.
Walmsley’s departure is another setback for women’s leadership in the pharmaceutical industry. Research has shown that having female executives can lead to higher profitability, lower turnover, and patient-focused innovation. However, the gender gap in leadership roles in pharma remains a challenge.
On the bright side, there are notable exceptions in the industry, with female CEOs leading some of the biggest pharmaceutical companies by market capitalization. Julie Kim will take over as CEO of Takeda Pharmaceuticals in June 2026, following her contributions to the company’s U.S. business unit and plasma-derived business. Takeda is reexamining its portfolio, with a focus on novel therapeutic candidates.
Dr. Reshma Kewalramani leads Vertex Pharmaceuticals, overseeing a groundbreaking portfolio that includes the first CRISPR-based drug and novel pain medication. Vertex’s market cap has soared, thanks to Kewalramani’s leadership and the company’s innovative R&D approach.
Dr. Yvonne Greenstreet is at the helm of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, a pioneer in RNA interference therapy. The company’s market cap has surged, driven by strong uptake of its rare heart disease drug. Greenstreet’s background in Big Pharma has been instrumental in navigating competition in the market and expanding Alnylam’s reach.
Overall, the pharmaceutical industry is seeing a shift in leadership, with female CEOs at the forefront of some of the biggest companies. Their contributions are shaping the future of healthcare and driving innovation in the industry.
