GlaxoSmithKline PLC (LON:GSK) announced it has fired Moncef Slaoui as chair of Galvani Bioelectronics, a chronic disease research firm where it is the majority shareholder.
Slaoui is the former head of the FTSE 100 firm’s vaccines department and lead the US government’s Operation Warp Speed, a project announced by Donald Trump to develop a COVID-19 jab, from May 2020 to January 2021.
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The pharma giant said the termination follows a letter containing allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct towards one of its employees occurred “several years ago”, when Slaoui was working at Glaxo.
An investigation “with an experienced law firm” is ongoing, the firm added.
“Dr. Slaoui's behaviours are wholly unacceptable. They represent an abuse of his leadership position, violate company policies, and are contrary to the strong values that define GSK's culture,” the group said in a release.
“The company expects everyone at GSK to behave in accordance with its values, especially its leaders where its standards are the highest. Sexual harassment and any abuse of leadership position are strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated.”
Slaoui will be replaced by Christopher Corsico, senior vice president of Development at GSK and a current member of the Galvani board, as the new chairman.
Amy Altshul, senior vice president Legal, R&D and Global Commercial Franchises at GSK, has also been appointed to the board of Galvani.
Shares dipped 1% to 1,290.2p on Wednesday afternoon.