Terrell Joins GSK to Head up Digital, Technology
GlaxoSmithKline has named Karenann Terrell chief digital & technology officer, giving her "a company-wide remit to transform how new technologies are used to improve performance," according to a release announcing the appointment.
The new role puts Terrell in charge of developing the company’s digital, data and analytics strategy. "She will work with a wide range of partners from inside and outside the healthcare sector to bring new technologies to GSK, enhancing areas such as clinical trials and drug development; improving how we interact with [healthcare providers], customers and consumers and making internal processes more efficient," the release stated.
Terrell will step into the role on Sept. 4. Daniel Lebeau, who has served as GSK's chief information officer since 2012, will leave the company after a transitional period, according to reports.
Most recently, Terrell served as CIO for Walmart, where she led all technology initiatives for retail, infrastructure and back office, guiding a global workforce numbering more than 5,000. During her six-plus years at the retailer (the first 14 months as assistant CIO), she helped "transform the retailer's use of data, analytics and digital engagement" with shoppers, according to the GSK release. She left Walmart in March.
At CGT's Consumer Goods Sales & Marketing Summit in June, Terrell led a panel of CIOs examining best practices for driving digital consumer engagement through strategic manufacturer-retailer partnerships. The panel was comprised of current and former consumer goods CIOs who served on the "Walmart CIO Council,” a consortium of tech leaders established by Terrell to examine mutually beneficial ways to drive business growth by better serving the retailer's shoppers.
“The impact of technology on the healthcare industry is accelerating and requires us to rethink our approach," said Emma Walmsley, the former L'Oreal executive who took over as GSK's chief executive officer in April 2017 (after overseeing the company's consumer healthcare activity for six years). "As a member of the executive team, Karenann will have the scope to think radically about how we can exploit the latest opportunities and ultimately improve our business performance.”
In 2016, Terrell received the Fisher-Hopper Prize for Lifetime Achievement in CIO Leadership. The award is presented annually by the Fisher CIO Leadership Program at the Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley.
GSK ranked 55th on CGT's list of the Top 100 Consumer Goods Companies for 2016 with $9.9 billion in revenue.